1
general::
Wash the plates, glasses, and silverware used at a meal. For example, If you walk the dog, I'll do the dishes.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): do the dishes
to wash the dishes; to wash and dry the dishes, knives, forks, glasses, etc., after a meal. • Bill, you cannot go out and play until you’ve done the dishes. • Why am I always the one who has to do the dishes?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs