pick up the dry cleaning — to collect clothes that have been professionally cleaned using chemical solvents instead of water
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to collect clothes that have been professionally cleaned using chemical solvents instead of water
Pronunciation (IPA): /pɪk ʌp ðə draɪ ˈkliːnɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- My husband forgot to pick up the dry cleaning again, so now his lucky interview suit is still hostage at the cleaners.
- She realized she had been wearing the same three outfits for weeks because she kept postponing picking up the dry cleaning.
- Could you please pick up the dry cleaning on your way home from work?
pick up the dry cleaning
NOUN[/pɪk ʌp ðə draɪ ˈkliːnɪŋ/]
to collect clothes that have been professionally cleaned using chemical solvents instead of water
On her way home, she stops by the shop to pick up the dry cleaning before the wedding.
Quick cup of coffee while suits stick up in the breeze!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines two distinct etymological elements: 'pick up' originates from Middle English, with 'pick' deriving from Old English and Germanic roots meaning 'to select or gather', while 'up' is a preposition indicating upward direction or completion. 'Dry cleaning' emerged in 1855 from French chemical cleaning processes using solvents other than water, with 'dry' from Old English 'dryge' and 'cleaning' from the verb 'clean' of uncertain origin.
Breakdown
pick (Old English: to select, gather) + up (Old English: upward direction, completion) + dry (Old English 'dryge': free from moisture) + clean (origin uncertain: to make clean) + -ing (present participle suffix indicating ongoing action).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My husband forgot to pick up the dry cleaning again, so now his lucky interview suit is still hostage at the cleaners.”
“She realized she had been wearing the same three outfits for weeks because she kept postponing picking up the dry cleaning.”
“Could you please pick up the dry cleaning on your way home from work?”
“The dry cleaning shop closes at 7 PM, so we need to pick up our clothes before then.”
📚Related Words
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