take somebody to the cleaners

Definition & Meaning of "take somebody to the cleaners"

to take somebody to the cleaners

PHRASE

to defeat a person or a group thoroughly, often in a very humiliating manner

to [take] {sb} to the cleaners definition and meaning

Disapproving

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "take someone to the cleaners" and when to use it?

The idiom "take someone to the cleaners" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This phrase can also be used to describe a situation where someone is defeated or outmaneuvered in a thorough or humiliating way, often resulting in a significant loss or setback.

to take someone's possessions by force or without the right to do so

Disapproving

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "take someone to the cleaners" and when to use it?

The idiom "take someone to the cleaners" likely originated in the early 20th century in American English. It comes from the idea of someone being completely stripped of their money or possessions, as if their things were taken to a place for a thorough cleaning. The phrase is used to describe situations where someone is financially taken advantage of or left with very little money or resources. It is often used in discussions about unfair or one-sided deals, swindling, or instances where someone feels they have been cheated or deceived.