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sweep

Definition

  • verb: to remove (something, such as dust or dirt) from a surface with a broom or brush or with a quick movement of your hand, fingers, etc.
  • verb: to remove from a surface with or as if with a broom or brush
  • usually singular
  • synonyms: sweeper, slam, rush

Examples

  • The new governor has made a 'clean sweep' of the staff in the governor's mansion. [=the new governor completely replaced the former governor's staff]

  • He gave the floor/room a quick 'sweep'. [=he swept the floor/room quickly]

  • The election was a 'clean sweep' for local Democratic candidates.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) That is not true. Wait a minute. This is crazy behaviour. Can't we just laugh about all this ? Seriously. ln the huge sweep of things, this stuff doesn't matter. What he's gonna say next is there's people starving in the Sudan. Well, there are, and we don't have to go anywhere near that far. (..)
    1999 Notting Hill