take to the cleaners

1. Drub, beat up, as in He didn't just push you—he took you to the cleaners . [ Slang ; early 1900s]

2. Take or cheat one out of all of one's money or possessions, as in Her divorce lawyer took him to the cleaners , or That broker has taken a number of clients to the cleaners . [ Slang ; early 1900s]

Related Words

• bilk
• con
• deceive
• defraud
• dupe
• extort
• fleece
• gouge
• hoodwink
• overcharge
• victimize