take to the cleaners

Cheat someone badly

To take someone to the cleaners is to defeat them thoroughly or swindle them out of money or possessions.

The phrase evokes having everything stripped away, as clothes are removed for cleaning: My ex-wife took me to the cleaners in the divorce.

In competitive contexts, it means to win decisively: The home team took them to the cleaners, 45-3.

defraud

swindle

Deception for financial gain

  • conArgument against
  • scamDishonest money-making scheme
  • fleeceWool still on sheep

cheat · bilk · rip off · hustle · bamboozle · hoodwink · dupe · gull · deceive · trick

Opposites
financial fairness

take to the cleanersplay fair

Act honestly in competition

do right by · cut some slack

winning vs. losing

take to the cleanerslose one's shirt

Forfeit all assets

take a beating

giving vs. taking

take to the cleanersenrich

Improve by adding value

make whole · build up · bankroll · strike it rich · prosper

Family

takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, clean, cleans, cleaned, cleaning

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G