Took the cleaners" is an idiomatic expression often used colloquially to describe a situation where someone has been financially or emotionally exploited, deceived, or faced substantial losses. The phrase derives from the idea of cleaning a piece of cloth by removing all dirt, indicating that someone has been thoroughly "cleaned out" of their possessions, money, or resources.
When used in a financial context, "took the cleaners" refers to someone being severely deceived or financially exploited, resulting in significant monetary losses. It implies that the person in question has been manipulated or tricked into making poor financial decisions that dramatically impact their financial well-being.
In a broader sense, the expression can also be used to describe emotional or psychological exploitation. It suggests that an individual has been duped, deceived, or taken advantage of in an emotional or personal relationship. This could involve betrayals, manipulation, or actions that leave the person feeling emotionally drained or devastated.
Overall, "took the cleaners" serves as a metaphorical representation of an individual being left completely devoid of something valuable, whether it be money, resources, or emotional stability. It conveys a strong sense of loss, exploitation, and vulnerability, highlighting the negative impact of being taken advantage of or deceived in various contexts.
