clean one's clock

phrase

: to beat one badly in a fight or competition

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clean one's clock was in 1895

Rhymes for clean one's clock

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Browse Nearby Words

cleanness
clean one's clock
clean one's plate
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Cite this Entry

“Clean one's clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clean%20one%27s%20clock. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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