The phrase "is taken to cleaners" is an idiom commonly used in informal speech, typically in American English. It refers to a situation where someone is cleverly or deceitfully tricked or outmaneuvered, causing them to suffer a significant loss, usually of money or possessions. When an individual falls victim to being "taken to cleaners," it means that they have been exploited, perhaps through a swindle, a con, or a scam.
The origin of the expression likely stems from the concept of taking clothes to the cleaners, which refers to giving garments to a professional cleaner to be thoroughly cleaned. In this sense, the phrase figuratively implies that someone's metaphorical "garments" (i.e., their possessions, usually money) have been completely stripped away, leaving them vulnerable and exposed.
Furthermore, the idiom can also imply that the person who was taken advantage of has been left in a state of helplessness and with little to no recourse to recover what was lost. It signifies a loss of power, control, or advantage in a particular situation.
Overall, "is taken to cleaners" conveys the idea of being deceived, swindled, or cheated out of something of value, often resulting in financial loss or personal setback. It serves as a vivid way to describe a situation where someone has been thoroughly exploited, leaving them at a significant disadvantage.
