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clean out

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clean out

(of something) Go to fresh out (of something).

See also: clean, out

clean someone out

 

1. Fig. to get or use up all of someone's money. The bill for supper cleaned me out, and we couldn't go to the flick. The robbers cleaned out all the bank's cash.

2. Fig. to empty someone's bowels. That medicine I took really cleaned me out. Whatever was in that stew cleaned out every kid in the entire scout camp.

See also: clean, out

clean something out

to remove dirt or unwanted things from the inside of something. Someone has to clean the garage out. I'll clean out my closet tonight.

See also: clean, out

clean somebody out

to take everything from someone Thieves took my bank card and absolutely cleaned me out. I'd offer you something to eat, but Sean was here last night and he cleaned us out.

See also: clean, out

clean out

1. See clean up, def. 1.

2. Empty something of its contents, leave bare. For example, The crows cleaned out the whole field of corn, or At the shop's first sale the customers cleaned out the entire stock of shoes. [Mid-1800s]

3. Deprive of money or other material resources. This usage originated in gambling, where it signified losing one's last stake. Charles Dickens had it in Oliver Twist (1838): "He has cleaned me out, but I can go and earn some more." [Early 1800s]

4. Drive out by force, as in The new CEO tried to get away with cleaning out all employees over the age of 60. [Mid-1800s]

See also: clean, out

clean out

v.

1. To rid the inside of something of dirt, rubbish, or impurities: The zookeepers clean out the cages once a day. I cleaned the pan out with a scrub brush.

2. To empty some area of contents or occupants: The looters cleaned out the house. The comedian's bad jokes cleaned the place out.

3. Slang To drive or force out someone or some group: The police were determined to clean out the gangs. When the cowboys became too rowdy, the bartender picked up his shotgun and cleaned them out.

4. Slang To leave someone or something completely without money or material wealth: The robbery cleaned us out. The stock market crash cleaned out even careful investors.

5. Slang To deplete or use up all of some resource or supply: The thieves stole my bank card and cleaned out my account. Emergency supplies were already low, and the hurricane cleaned them out.

See also: clean, out