TAKE TO CLEANERS Meaning and
Definition
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The idiom "take to the cleaners" refers to a situation where someone is taken advantage of or financially exploited, resulting in a significant loss of money or assets. It typically implies a scenario where one party, often an unscrupulous individual or an entity, deceives or outwits another to their own benefit.
This phrase originated from the imagery of a person who entrusts their precious garments or belongings to a cleaner for laundering or maintenance, only to have them returned in a thoroughly cleaned state but with items found missing or damaged. Consequently, being "taken to the cleaners" means being stripped of one's possessions or wealth, usually due to the cunning actions or dishonesty of another party.
The expression can also be used more broadly to describe situations beyond financial encounters. In these instances, it denotes being exploited, defeated, or outmaneuvered in any circumstance, not necessarily involving money. For example, it can be used to describe someone who has been outsmarted during an argument or a sports competition, resulting in a significant defeat or humiliation.
In summary, "take to the cleaners" refers to a deceptive or cunning act that exploits or financially harms an individual, leaving them significantly worse off than before. This idiom demonstrates the vulnerability of individuals in situations of trust, where they may unknowingly fall victim to the unethical actions of others.
Common Misspellings for TAKE TO CLEANERS
- take to cleanr's
- rake to cleaners
- fake to cleaners
- gake to cleaners
- yake to cleaners
- 6ake to cleaners
- 5ake to cleaners
- tzke to cleaners
- tske to cleaners
- twke to cleaners
- tqke to cleaners
- taje to cleaners
- tame to cleaners
- tale to cleaners
- taoe to cleaners
- taie to cleaners
- takw to cleaners
- taks to cleaners
- takd to cleaners
- takr to cleaners
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