How to Pronounce "take to the cleaners"
expression
TAYK tuh THUH KLEE-nerz
TAYK tuh THEE KLEE-nuhz
Definition
To cheat or take a large amount of money or possessions from someone, often unfairly or by trickery.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈteɪk/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkɫinɝz
British English
tˈeɪk/ /tˈuː/ /ðə, ði/ /klˈiːnəz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
TAYK tuh THUH KLEE-nerz
UK
TAYK tuh THEE KLEE-nuhz
Listen in Context
He was taken to the cleaners in that business deal.
If you're not careful, the scammers will take you to the cleaners.
The divorce really took him to the cleaners.
Wow, that poker game really took me to the cleaners!