The phrase "taking to cleaners" is a colloquial expression that means to swindle someone out of their money. In IPA transcription, it would be written /ˈteɪkɪŋ tu ˈkliːnərz/. The spelling of this phrase is fairly straightforward, with the two words "taking" and "cleaners" being written as they are pronounced. However, the use of the phrasal verb "taking to" can sometimes be confusing, as it may not be immediately clear what it means. Overall, this phrase is a common idiom used to describe a specific type of financial scam.
"Taking someone to the cleaners" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of exploiting or taking advantage of someone, often financially, in an unfair or deceptive manner. This phrase typically implies that an individual or entity is defrauding or cheating another party out of their money or assets through cunning and manipulative techniques.
Originating from the association of cleaners with being thorough, meticulous, or complete, the phrase conveys the notion of a person being completely stripped of their possessions, assets, or wealth, akin to how clothes are stripped and cleaned at a professional cleaners. It implies that the victim has been thoroughly and unjustly exploited, leaving them financially devastated.
Furthermore, "taking someone to the cleaners" can also emphasize a power imbalance in a transaction where one party has an advantage over the other. This advantage is typically due to the deceiving or treacherous tactics employed by the party undertaking the act of 'taking to the cleaners.'
The phrase is often used colloquially to highlight situations where an individual or entity has been swindled or duped, resulting in suffering significant financial losses or deception. It implies a sense of helplessness on the part of the victim, who is left feeling outmaneuvered and vulnerable while the perpetrator benefits from their dishonest actions.