"Be taken to the cleaners" is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe a situation where someone is financially or competitively defeated, or is made to suffer severe financial losses or harm. It implies that someone has been taken advantage of, exploited, or deceived, often resulting in a significant financial setback.
The phrase is believed to have originated from the world of gambling, particularly poker or other card games, where players could end up losing all their money and being left with nothing. The phrase has since extended beyond the realm of gambling and can be used in various contexts, such as business dealings, negotiations, or personal situations.
To be taken to the cleaners means to be completely defeated or thoroughly cheated, often by a more experienced or cunning counterpart. It suggests that someone has been stripped of their possessions, wealth, dignity, or prestige, leaving them in a vulnerable or disadvantaged position.
The phrase is colloquial and informal, commonly used in spoken language or informal writing. It conveys a sense of harshness, disappointment, and unfairness, emphasizing the extent to which someone has suffered a loss.
