The idiom "take to the cleaners" means to cheat, deceive, or swindle someone out of their money or possessions. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is taken advantage of in a financial transaction or deal.
For example, if someone buys a used car and later finds out that it has serious mechanical problems that were not disclosed by the seller, they might say that they were "taken to the cleaners" by the seller.
The phrase can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where someone is outsmarted or defeated by someone else. For instance, if a sports team loses a game by a large margin, they might say that they were "taken to the cleaners" by the opposing team.
In general, the idiom "take to the cleaners" is used to describe a situation where someone is left with nothing or very little after being tricked or deceived. It is a colorful and informal expression that is often used in casual conversation.
• The salesman took me to the cleaners, and I ended up paying twice as much as I wanted to for that car. (Intermediate level)
• My friend took me to the cleaners playing chess yesterday. (Beginner level)
• After that poker game, I took my friends to the cleaners and won all of their money. (Upper-Intermediate level)
• I cannot believe that I got taken to the cleaners by my boss in that meeting. (Elementary level)
• The con artist took the wealthy couple to the cleaners, stealing their money and leaving them in financial ruin. (Proficient level)
• The company's lawyers took the plaintiff to the cleaners during the trial, leaving them with no chance of winning. (Advanced level)