Clean out
phrasal verb
To completely remove everything inside something.
Before we moved out, we had to clean out the garage.
Often appears as...
- clean out the fridge
- clean out a room
phrasal verb
To spend all or your money or resources.
Paying for college has completely cleaned me out.
Often appears as...
- clean out your wallet
- clean out your bank account
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To steal indiscriminately from someone or something.
The thieves cleaned out the entire jewelry store during the night.
Often appears as...
- clean out a store
- clean someone out
phrasal verb
To remove undesirable elements from.
We need to clean out the political system.
Often appears as...
- clean out the system
- clean out corruption
Usage tips
Approving
phrasal verb
To completely remove everything inside something.
Before we moved out, we had to clean out the garage.
Often appears as...
- clean out the fridge
- clean out a room
phrasal verb
To spend all or your money or resources.
Paying for college has completely cleaned me out.
Often appears as...
- clean out your wallet
- clean out your bank account
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To steal indiscriminately from someone or something.
The thieves cleaned out the entire jewelry store during the night.
Often appears as...
- clean out a store
- clean someone out
phrasal verb
To remove undesirable elements from.
We need to clean out the political system.
Often appears as...
- clean out the system
- clean out corruption
Usage tips
Approving
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Full Removal
When 'cleaning out' a space, it implies removing items until the space is entirely empty.
He cleaned out his desk of all personal items on his last day.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Just Cleaning
'Clean out' suggests more than just tidying; it involves thorough clearing.
It took the whole weekend to clean out the attic.
Pro Tip 1/2Full Removal
When 'cleaning out' a space, it implies removing items until the space is entirely empty.
He cleaned out his desk of all personal items on his last day.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Just Cleaning
'Clean out' suggests more than just tidying; it involves thorough clearing.
It took the whole weekend to clean out the attic.
Pro Tip 1/2Full Removal
When 'cleaning out' a space, it implies removing items until the space is entirely empty.
He cleaned out his desk of all personal items on his last day.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Just Cleaning
'Clean out' suggests more than just tidying; it involves thorough clearing.
It took the whole weekend to clean out the attic.
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