Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪkɪŋ klˈiːnəz] (IPA) 
The phrase "taking cleaners" is spelled phonetically as /ˈteɪkɪŋ ˈkliːnərz/. The first part of the word, "taking," is spelled with a long "a" sound and a hard "k" sound. The second part, "cleaners," is spelled with a long "e" sound, a soft "k" sound, and a long "er" sound. This phrase is often used to describe a situation in which one has suffered a significant defeat or loss.
Taking cleaners is a colloquial expression that refers to a situation or event where someone experiences a severe or significant loss, defeat, or failure. The term "taking" emphasizes the idea of being affected or hit by something, while "cleaners" represents the extent or intensity of the impact, as if everything has been wiped out or thoroughly cleaned. This expression is commonly used in sports, competitions, or any scenario where one party has suffered a devastating loss.
The phrase might originate from the idea of a cleaner, an individual who professionally cleans or tidies up a space or object, leaving it spotless and devoid of any mess or clutter. In the same context, "taking cleaners" can be seen as a metaphorical representation of an individual or team being figuratively cleaned up or defeated to such an extent that there is nothing left but a complete elimination of their chances or hopes of success.
In summary, "taking cleaners" is a figurative expression to describe a person or group facing a significant loss or defeat that leaves them completely overwhelmed or devastated. It conveys a sense of being thoroughly beaten, wiped out, or cleaned up, comparable to someone who has been thoroughly cleaned by a professional cleaner, with no remnants of their previous standing or chances of recovery remaining.
The phrase "taking cleaners" does not have a specific etymology as it is a colloquial expression rather than a word with a well-defined origin. However, it is commonly used in sports, especially in contexts where one team defeats another team by a significant margin or in a one-sided manner. This phrase metaphorically implies that the losing team was completely "cleaned out" or defeated.
