Clean one's clock American informal verb phrase
To decisively beat someone up
Shut your mouth up or I'll clean your clock .
James' opponent was so strong that he cleaned James' clock.
The verb "clean" should be conjugated according to its tense.
The phrase dates from the mid-1900s. This term originated in the military. The use of "clock" is unclear but possibly alludes to hitting someone in the face (for “clockface”).
Daughter: So I really want all my friends to have a great time. I was thinking it would be a good idea to have some candy out on the tables for people to snack on.
Mother: Well, if you want them to really enjoy themselves, candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.