"Art taken the cleaners" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a situation where someone has suffered a significant financial loss, often due to a bad investment, scam, or a failed venture. The phrase combines elements of art, which symbolizes valuable possessions or investments, and being taken to the cleaners, which signifies being financially exploited or cheated.
In a broader sense, the phrase can also be used to describe situations where someone's reputation or status has been severely damaged or ruined due to a personal or professional setback. It implies that the individual has suffered a significant blow, leaving them at a great disadvantage or facing hardships.
The origin of this expression can be traced back to early 20th-century America, where "taken to the cleaners" became popular slang for being swindled or deceived. Over time, the phrase has been adopted and adapted to various contexts, including the art world, to describe a significant financial or reputational loss specifically related to artistic endeavors or investments.
Therefore, when referring to "art taken the cleaners," it describes a situation where someone has experienced a substantial loss of money, reputation, or both, often in relation to art-related investments, dealings, or endeavors.
