clean out
The phrase "clean out" is versatile, commonly used to describe the removal of contents, often for cleaning or organizing, and can also mean depleting resources or finances.
Definition
B1Household
To remove all items from a space or container, often to tidy or organize it.
Example
- I need to clean out the fridge before we go grocery shopping.
- She spent the afternoon cleaning out her closet.
B2Informal
(slang)To steal or take everything of value from a person or place.
Example
- The burglars cleaned out the entire house while we were on vacation.
B2Financial
To use up all or most of someone's money or resources.
Example
- The unexpected medical bills really cleaned us out.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "clean out":
clear outclean downclean upsweep outclean houseflush outscrub outspring cleaningclear awayclear updeep cleanclean sweepclean up afterclean feedwash outtake out the trashshovel outdeep cleaningmud outfilter outdrain outroot outrake outnut outclear the decksdig outslop outrush outwipe outdrive outrig outthresh outbrush outclose outcome cleangutter outclear the neighborhoodswamp outpack outforce outsweep awaysmoke outblow outtake outthrow outdump outair outkick outclean slatecut outsort outscreen outmop upbuff outmove outboot outzero outtoss outtotal clearancerub outcomb outpush outsweep upchuck outscrub downtake to the cleanersring outstraighten outsponge outwipe upshake outget outcleaning fluiddust offbroom upsuck outdry outpump outpull outpurging placesqueeze outrim outin the clearsquare awayrip outdrink outiron outbash outall outsweep asidehollow outtrap outfix upbag outsqueaky cleanblock outway outcash outget out ofcrack outwash awaydispose ofput outclear roundtake it out of