[wipe] the floor with {sb}
1
to completely beat someone in an argument or competition, particularly in a humiliating way
The idiom "wipe the floor with someone" is believed to have originated from the practice of cleaning a floor by wiping it with a mop or cloth. The action of wiping the floor clean suggests a thorough and complete victory, leaving no trace of the opponent's presence or challenge. This idiom is often used to describe a situation where one person or team defeats another in a competition, argument, or conflict, with great ease and skill, leaving the opponent humiliated or embarrassed.
- If we don't perform better, the opposing team will wipe the floor with us in the upcoming game.
- The company has been wiping the floor with its competitors in the market.
- The experienced debater wiped the floor with his opponent in the debate.
- The reigning champion wiped the floor with his opponent in the tennis match.