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wipe the floor with somebody
[mop] the floor with
to wipe the floor with somebody
01
to completely beat someone in an argument or competition, particularly in a humiliating way
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "wipe the floor with someone" and when to use it?
The idiom "wipe the floor with someone" is believed to have originated from the practice of cleaning a floor by wiping it with a mop or cloth. The action of wiping the floor clean suggests a thorough and complete victory, leaving no trace of the opponent's presence or challenge. This idiom is often used to describe a situation where one person or team defeats another in a competition, argument, or conflict, with great ease and skill, leaving the opponent humiliated or embarrassed.
Example
If we don't perform better, the opposing team will wipe the floor with us in the upcoming game.
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