The phrase "art taken to cleaners" may seem a bit odd, but it is a common idiom used to describe the act of being cheated or taken advantage of. The sounds in this phrase can be transcribed in IPA as /ɑrt teɪkən tu klɪnərz/. The "a" in "art" is pronounced as a short "ah" sound, while the "k" in "taken" is a hard, velar stop. The final syllable in "cleaners" is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a voiced "r" and a voiceless "z" sound.
The phrase "art taken to cleaners" is an idiomatic expression that combines two separate idioms, namely "taken to the cleaners" and "art." Generally, the term "taken to the cleaners" refers to a situation where someone has been financially exploited or cheated out of their money. It implies that someone has suffered a significant monetary loss or has been deceived, leaving them in a disadvantageous or impoverished position.
When incorporating "art" into this phrase, it adds a more specific connotation. Art can be understood as creative expression through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, or photography. The inclusion of "art" within the idiom suggests that the victim has specifically fallen prey to an exploitative situation that involves artwork, potentially through fraudulent art transactions, forged pieces, or deceptive practices within the art market.
Therefore, the phrase "art taken to the cleaners" can be defined as a figurative expression used to depict a scenario where someone has been severely financially compromised or tricked within the realm of artworks. It signifies an unfortunate situation where the victim, due to dishonest dealings or fraudulent acts within the art industry, has suffered substantial financial loss in relation to their involvement with art.