Go to the cleaners


go to the cleaners

verb phrase

To lose all one’s money, esp gambling at craps; take a bath (1907+)

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    Nevertheless, it may be true but, as in Be that as it may, I can’t take your place on Monday. This phrase has its roots in be as be may, used from Chaucer’s time for about four centuries. [ Mid-1800s ]

  • Be the death of

    Cause the death of something or someone, as in This comedian is so funny, he’ll be the death of me. Although this phrase can be used literally, meaning “to kill someone or something,” it has also been used hyperbolically (as in the example) since the late 1500s. Shakespeare used it in 1 Henry IV (2:1): […]

  • Be the making of

    Be the means or cause of progress or success, as in Marriage will be the making of him. This idiom, using making in the sense of “advancement,” was first recorded about 1470.

  • Be the end of one

    Be one’s downfall, as in His heavy drinking may well be the end of him, or That math assignment will be the end of me. This phrase originally alluded to something that would cause someone’s death. Today, while it may be used seriously (as in the first example), it more often is used more lightly […]

  • Be there

    be there verb phrase To have the experience; learn firsthand: You have to be there to know what I mean/ I can tell you, because I’ve been there myself (1880s+)


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