mop up

The phrase 'mop up' is versatile, used in contexts from cleaning to completing tasks or eliminating remaining elements.

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Definition

A2Cleaning

To clean or absorb liquid from a surface using a mop or cloth.

Example

  • She used a sponge to mop up the spilled juice.
  • After the rain, we had to mop up the puddles in the hallway.

B2General

(informal)To finish or complete a task by dealing with remaining minor details or problems.

Example

  • The team stayed late to mop up the last few issues with the project.
  • We need to mop up the final details before the event.

C1Military

(technical)To eliminate or remove remaining enemy forces or resistance after a larger conflict or operation.

Example

  • The soldiers were sent to mop up the remaining pockets of resistance.
  • After the main battle, they had to mop up the area to ensure it was secure.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "mop up":

wipe upclean upsweep upmop watersponge upsuck the mopclean up afterbroom uphoover upclean downmop headsoak upsweep outscrape upwipe offscoop uppuddle uplap upclean outmop squeezerslop outclean sweepwash upclean houseclear upmist upscrub upsweep awaysponge downscrub outmuck upfinish upmud outmuddy upwipe outrake upeat upsnap updry offtowel upscrub downwipe the floor with someoneclear outbuy upwrap up