kliːn aʊt
neutral
beginner
- Base verb:
- clean
- Particle:
- out
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "clean out" mean?
- To remove everything from inside a space
- To take all of someone's money
- To empty or use up completely
Examples
- I need to clean out my closet this weekend.
- The casino cleaned him out.
- Let's clean out the refrigerator before vacation.
- The burglars cleaned out the entire house.
- She cleaned out her desk on her last day of work.
How to use it
Often implies thorough removal of contents. Being 'cleaned out' can mean losing all your money.
Word order
Object can go between: 'clean it out' or 'clean out the garage'
Similar expressions
empty
clear out
deplete
rob
Opposites
fill up
stock
Related phrasal verbs
- clean up
To make a place tidy by removing dirt or clutter
- get out
To leave a place, room, or vehicle
- turn out
To have a particular result or end in a certain way
- go out
To leave your home for social activities or entertainment
- give out
To distribute something to multiple people
- bring out
To produce and release a new product, book, or album
Use it in a practice answer
Try "clean out" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.