Definition of the word squeaky clean

The expression "squeaky clean" represents something that is absolutely pure, free from any dirt, impurities, or blemishes. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 1900s, specifically to the United States. Initially, "squeaky" referred to a sound made by recently lubricated bearings or moving metal parts in a machine. This noise indicated that the lubrication was working effectively and efficiently, keeping the machinery running smoothly. As this expression became popular, it began to be applied to describe individuals who were completely innocent of any wrongdoing. The natural follow-up was to apply it to situations or circumstances that originated from such individuals. By extension, something that is "squeaky clean" is as pure and spotless as a machine that operates smoothly. The term gained popularity during Prohibition in the US, as it became recognized as a synonym for "spotless" or "immaculate" in describing individuals who strictly followed the laws that were created at the time. The phrase was commonly used during investigations of suspected criminals, to emphasize that the relevant person had "nothing to hide". Today, "squeaky clean" is a well-established idiom in English and represents a high level of unblemished quality or purity in many new contexts.