The phrase "was taken to the cleaners" means someone has been cheated or swindled. It's believed to have originated from the practice of taking clothes to the cleaners, a place where they would be thoroughly cleaned and pressed. The IPA phonetic transcription of this phrase would be /wɒz ˈteɪkən tuː ðə ˈkliːnəz/. The /w/ sound is pronounced like "wuh," the /ɒ/ sound like "ah," and the /ə/ sound like "uh." The /t/ and /k/ sounds are sharp and aspirated.
The phrase "was taken to the cleaners" is an idiomatic expression that means a person has been exploited, cheated, or swindled financially or in some other way. It implies a situation where someone has suffered a significant loss or been thoroughly deceived. The phrase originated from the literal idea of taking clothes to a dry cleaner and being left with an enormous bill.
When someone says they were taken to the cleaners, it suggests that they have been subjected to a severe financial setback or disadvantageous outcome due to the actions of somebody else. The phrase is often used in situations where someone has been outsmarted or had their resources misused, leaving them in a vulnerable or disadvantaged position.
It is important to note that the expression is figurative and not meant to be taken literally. It conveys a strong sense of being exploited or deceived, emphasizing the severity of the negative outcome. Whether it refers to a financial loss, manipulation, or other forms of exploitation, the idiom captures the feeling of being significantly taken advantage of or "cleaned out."