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mop up

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mop something up

to clean up something, such as a spill, with a mop or with a mopping motion. Please mop this mess up. I will mop up this mess.

See also: mop, up

mop up

 (after someone or something)

1. Lit. to clean up with a mop a sloppy mess made by someone or something. I am the one who has to mop up after the mess you made!

2. Fig. to rectify a problem that someone or something has created. You made a fuss in the conference and upset everyone. I spent hours mopping up after you in private meetings with all in attendance.

See also: mop, up

mop up (something)

also mop something up

1. to complete something The fire wasn't completely out, and we should have stayed and mopped it up.

2. to rid an area of an enemy Army troops were mopping up the last of the rebel fighters.

3. to remove what has been damaged by a storm or other violent event California has just started to mop up after two storms blasted the state.

4. to remove the results of a problem Altman's department was in charge of mopping up the banking scandal.

See also: mop, up

mop up somebody

also mop somebody up

to defeat someone The vice president mopped up his opponent in a televised debate. Everyone says he's a great fighter, but Ali could have mopped him up in a second.

See also: mop, up

mop up

1. Clear an area of remaining enemy troops after a victory, as in They left behind just one squadron to mop up. [c. 1900]

2. Perform the minor tasks that conclude a project or activity, as in Go ahead, I'll mop up these last invoices. [First half of 1900s] Both usages transfer the task of housecleaning with a mop to other kinds of cleanup.

See also: mop, up