[take] {sb} to the cleaners

to defeat a person or a group thoroughly, often in a very humiliating manner

The idiom "take someone to the cleaners" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This phrase can also be used to describe a situation where someone is defeated or outmaneuvered in a thorough or humiliating way, often resulting in a significant loss or setback.

The champion boxer took his opponent to the cleaners in the ring, winning the fight in the first round.
The company's aggressive marketing strategy took its competitors to the cleaners, driving them out of business.
The team is dominating the game and taking their opponents to the cleaners.
The experienced lawyer secured a great deal, taking the opposing party to the cleaners during negotiations.
The brilliant student dominated the competition, taking it to the cleaners with a deep understanding of the subject.

to take someone's possessions by force or without the right to do so

The idiom "take someone to the cleaners" likely originated in the early 20th century in American English. It comes from the idea of someone being completely stripped of their money or possessions, as if their things were taken to a place for a thorough cleaning. The phrase is used to describe situations where someone is financially taken advantage of or left with very little money or resources. It is often used in discussions about unfair or one-sided deals, swindling, or instances where someone feels they have been cheated or deceived.

The con artist is taking unsuspecting investors to the cleaners with his fraudulent schemes.
She always manages to take her competitors to the cleaners in business negotiations.
The car salesman is notorious for taking customers to the cleaners by charging exorbitant fees.
Last year, the scammer took dozens of people to the cleaners with his investment fraud.
Despite their initial confidence, the inexperienced team was taken to the cleaners by their seasoned opponents.