clean one's clock

Definition & Meaning of "clean one's clock"

to clean one's clock

to defeat someone soundly or thoroughly in a competition or argument, often with the implication that the opponent had no chance of winning

Dialect

American

to [clean] {one's} clock definition and meaning

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "clean one's clock" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "clean one's clock" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. The phrase is used to describe a defeat or victory in a competition or conflict. The most widely accepted theory is that the phrase comes from the idea of winding a clock, which involves cleaning the gears and springs inside the clock to keep it running smoothly. In the same way, "cleaning someone's clock" means to defeat or subdue them, possibly by disabling their ability to function properly.

Example

During the chess tournament, Jane was confident in her skills, but her opponent ended up cleaning her clock with a series of surprising moves.

During the debate, the politician cleaned his opponent's clock, leaving him unable to respond to his arguments.

to hit a person harshly during a fight or conflict

Dialect

American

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "clean one's clock" and when to use it?

The idiom "clean one's clock" is believed to have originated in the United States and is related to the world of boxing and physical confrontations. The expression "clean" emphasizes the thoroughness or decisiveness of the victory, while "clock" refers to the opponent's face, particularly the face of a person who has been on the receiving end of a powerful blow. It is primarily is used to describe a situation where one person hits or strikes another person harshly during a fight or conflict.

Example

In the boxing match, the heavyweight champion cleaned his opponent's clock with a devastating right hook that sent his challenger to the canvas.

The schoolyard bully learned a lesson when the smaller, but skilled, student cleaned his clock with a perfectly executed roundhouse kick.