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wash away

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wash away

to be carried away by water or some other liquid. The bridge washed away in the flood. All the soil washed away and left the rocks exposed.

See also: away, wash

wash someone or something away

[for a flood of water] to carry someone or something away. The flood washed the boats away. The high water washed away much of the sand along the shoreline.

See also: away, wash

wash something away

to clean something by scrubbing and flushing away the dirt. Fresh water will wash the seawater away. Let's wash away these muddy footprints.

See also: away, wash

wash away

v.

1. To carry away or remove something by the action of moving water: The waves washed away the debris on the beach. Heavy rains washed the topsoil away.

2. To be carried away or removed by the action of water: Our boat washed away in the storm.

3. To eliminate some corruption or guilt: He tried to wash away his regret by getting drunk. She hoped to wash her guilt away by confessing to the crime.

See also: away, wash