Take to the Cleaners, To 🧴🧼💸
Definition: To dupe or defraud someone; to clean someone out financially.
Historical Context: This term likely evolved from the older expression “to be cleaned out,” which dates back to the early nineteenth century, carrying the same essence of losing all one’s money. The idiom gained popularity in mid-twentieth century America, coinciding with the spread of commercial dry-cleaning. Just imagine the intense pocket-emptying anticipation at a gambling table.
Synonyms:
- Swindle
- Defraud
- Rip off
- Bleed dry
- Scrape someone’s pockets
Antonyms:
- Profit
- Win
- Gain
- Benefit
- Reimburse
Quote: “Getting taken to the cleaners is like wearing a gourmet meal on a white shirt — you’ll feel the stain for years.”
Related and Similar Terms:
-
Cleaned Out: Completely depleted of money or resources.
- “I went to Las Vegas with money and left cleaned out.”
-
Burned a Hole in One’s Pocket: Money eager to be spent.
- “Every time I get my paycheck, it burns a hole in my pocket until it’s all gone.”
-
Caught Red-Handed: Caught in the very act of wrongdoing.
- “The fraudster was caught red-handed transferring funds.”
Proverbs:
- “A fool and his money are soon parted.” Meaning, without wisdom or care, wealth easily evaporates.
Literary Recommendations:
- Precipice by H. MacLennan - As noted, this novel gives a classic example of the idiom being used in context.
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Dive into the world of extravagant gambles and spectacular losses.
- Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - Teeming with wit and absurdity that parallels the irony of getting taken to the financial cleaners.
Movies:
- The Wolf of Wall Street - Because more than one person gets taken to the proverbial cleaners.
- Ocean’s Eleven - Watch the tables turn on who gets taken to the cleaners.
- The Big Short - A rather educational depiction of financial dupery.
Songs:
- Take the Money and Run by Steve Miller Band
- Big Spender by Shirley Bassey
- Money for Nothing by Dire Straits
Farewell Thought: In life’s laundry list of experiences, beware of those who promise the moon but can barely rinse out a speck of dirt. Stay vigilant and may your financial affairs always be bright and spotless! 💡🧼
