SWEEP UP Meaning and
Definition
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Sweep up is a phrasal verb that has multiple dictionary definitions depending on the context in which it is used. The term generally refers to the act of cleaning or gathering/collecting things using a broom or similar tool.
One definition of sweep up is related to cleaning floors or surfaces by using a broom and dustpan. In this context, it involves sweeping loose dirt, dust, or debris into a pile and then collecting it with a dustpan. This action helps to keep the area clean and tidy.
Another definition of sweep up is more figurative and refers to collecting or gathering items or people quickly and efficiently. This definition is commonly used in situations where a group of people, objects, or ideas are brought together or organized in a concise manner. For example, a manager may say, "Let's gather everything on this table and sweep up the important documents for the meeting."
In sports or competitive games, sweep up can describe a dominating victory or a clean sweep where one team or player wins all the matches or events in a series or tournament.
Overall, sweep up is a versatile phrasal verb that encompasses various meanings related to cleaning, gathering, and organizing, making it an essential term for both physical and metaphorical contexts.
Common Misspellings for SWEEP UP
- aweep up
- zweep up
- xweep up
- dweep up
- eweep up
- wweep up
- sqeep up
- saeep up
- sseep up
- seeep up
- s3eep up
- s2eep up
- swwep up
- swsep up
- swdep up
- swrep up
- sw4ep up
- sw3ep up
- swewp up
- sweepup
Etymology of SWEEP UP
The word "sweep up" is formed by combining the verb "sweep" with the particle "up".
The verb "sweep" can be traced back to the Old English word "swāpan" which meant "to brush, wipe, or clean". This word has Germanic origins and is related to the Old Norse word "sveipa" and the Gothic word "swaipan", both meaning "to sweep".
The particle "up" is a preposition/adverb that indicates movement in an upward direction. It comes from the Old English word "ūp" which has the same meaning.
When these two elements are combined, "sweep up" refers to the action of gathering or collecting something by using a broom or another cleaning tool and moving it in an upward direction, typically from the floor or ground.
Idioms with the word SWEEP UP
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sweep up after
The idiom "sweep up after" means to take care of and clean up after someone or something, often involving tidying up a mess or dealing with the consequences of someone's actions. It can be literal, such as cleaning a room after a party, or figurative, such as dealing with the aftermath of someone's mistakes or mess.
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sweep up after sm
The idiom "sweep up after someone" means to clean up the mess, physically or metaphorically, created by another person or to take care of their responsibilities or mistakes. It implies taking on the task of cleaning up or resolving the aftermath of someone's actions or decisions.
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sweep up
The idiom "sweep up" means to clean up or gather together items or debris from a surface by using a broom or similar tool. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to the act of collecting or gathering things together in a systematic way.
Similar spelling words for SWEEP UP
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