Clean somebody's clock

usgb
verb

To defeat or beat someone very badly, particularly in a game or competition.

The football team cleaned their opponent's clock in last night's match.
Visual representation of "clean somebody's clock" - To defeat or beat someone very badly, particularly in a game or competition

Often appears as...

  • cleaned their opponent's clock
  • completely cleaned his clock

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "clean somebody's clock"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sports Context

Often used in a sports setting to describe a team's dominant victory over another.

Illustration for Sports Context
Our team cleaned their clock with a 5-0 win!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoid Literal

Don't mistake it for actually cleaning; it's about winning, not tidying up.

Illustration for Avoid Literal
He said he cleaned his clock, but he didn't mean it literally.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Victory

It's a figurative expression for achieving a decisive win, not involving real cleaning.

Illustration for Figurative Victory
She totally cleaned his clock in the debate competition.
Visual representation of the word "Clean somebody's clock"

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