The phrase "takes the cleaners" means to be cheated out of one's money or possessions. It is pronounced /teɪks ði ˈkliːnəz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "a" sound in "takes" is pronounced like the "ay" in "day". The "th" in "the" has a voiced dental fricative sound, and the "ee" in "cleaners" is pronounced like the "i" in "machine". This slang phrase is commonly used in informal conversations and is often associated with gambling or other risky activities.
The idiomatic expression "takes the cleaners" is typically used in informal contexts to describe a situation where someone suffers a significant financial loss or is thoroughly defeated. The phrase originated from the act of dry cleaning, where clothes are cleaned and pressed to perfection. In this context, "takes" implies the person is the recipient of an action, and "cleaners" metaphorically represents the extent of the loss or defeat.
When someone or something "takes the cleaners," it means that they have been completely overwhelmed or financially drained. For example, in a sporting event, if a team loses by a large margin, they can be said to have "taken the cleaners." Similarly, in a financial investment scenario, if an individual loses a substantial amount of money in a transaction, they may be described as having been "taken to the cleaners." The phrase carries a sense of being thoroughly beaten, outplayed, or financially exploited.
Overall, "takes the cleaners" is a colloquial expression that captures the idea of experiencing a substantial loss or defeat. It illustrates the feeling of being stripped bare, like clothes being cleaned and pressed, leaving one significantly worse off financially or in a competitive context.