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3. get taken to the cleaners (by someone)

get taken to the cleaners (by someone)

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get taken to the cleaners (by someone)

1. To have a lot or all of one's money taken, swindled, or cheated from one (by someone). I got taken to the cleaners by the IRS after they found out I hadn't been declaring my freelance work on my tax returns. I don't mind you going to some poker tournament with your friends, just don't get taken to the cleaners or anything.

2. To be soundly defeated or bested; to lose by a wide margin. The young team's inexperience is showing on the field today, as they're getting positively taken to the cleaners by the veteran squad.

See also: cleaner, get, taken