taken to the cleaners

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Beyond Los Angeles, there are glimmers of hope that Californians may be tiring of being taken to the cleaners.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

There's also a feeling that if they click then the Wallabies - shorn again of the wonderful Rob Valetini in their back row - will be taken to the cleaners.

From BBC • Aug. 1, 2025

“We can get taken to the cleaners in a major hurry if we’re not very careful about this,” said Dick Pound, the longest-serving IOC member.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 10, 2020

“We can get taken to the cleaners in a major hurry if we are not careful with this.”

From Reuters • Jan. 10, 2020

The best thing to be said about this cliche is that it’s better than being taken to the cleaners.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner