1
general::
Phrase(s): take someone to the cleaners
1. Sl. to take a lot of someone’s money; to swindle someone. • The lawyers took the insurance company to the cleaners, but I still didn’t get enough to pay for my losses. • The con artists took the old man to the cleaners. 2. Sl. to defeat or best someone. • We took the other team to the cleaners. • Look at the height they’ve got! They’ll take us to the cleaners!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Take or cheat one out of all of one's money or possessions, as in Her divorce lawyer took him to the cleaners, or That broker has taken a number of clients to the cleaners. [Slang; early 1900s] 2. Drub, beat up, as in He didn't just push you? he took you to the cleaners. [Slang; early 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms