Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to take someone to the cleaners
idiom
/tuː teɪk ˈsʌmwʌn tə ðə ˈkliːnərz/
Definition
To deprive someone of their money or possessions, often through clever manipulation or deception.
Examples
- After losing the bet, he felt like his friends really took him to the cleaners.
- The con artist took the elderly couple to the cleaners before they realized what was happening.
- She was so determined to win the lawsuit that she took her competitor to the cleaners.
Meaning
This phrase typically means to swindle or cheat someone out of their money, usually in a significant way.
Synonyms
- swindle
- cheat
- defraud
- outsmart
- rip off
