WordLens

sweep up

1 of 1verb
/ˈswip ˈʌp/
Forms:sweeps up,sweeping up,swept up,swept up
1

to collect and remove dirt or trash, typically from the floor or a surface using a broom

transitive
  • The barista had to sweep the coffee grounds up around the espresso machine.
  • The maintenance crew swept the sand up from the lobby after a windy day.
  • The cleaning crew had to sweep up the leaves that had blown into the hallway.
  • The janitor quickly swept up the spilled popcorn in the theater.
  • I need to sweep the leaves up from the porch.
2

to lift someone with a quick, smooth movement

transitive
  • The knight in the storybook always sweeps up the damsel in distress to rescue her.
  • Let's sweep up the little one and get her ready for bed.
  • The prince swept up the princess in a romantic dance move.
  • The firefighter swiftly swept up the child and carried her to safety.
  • She was so thrilled when he unexpectedly swept her up in his arms.
3

to eagerly adopt and make someone else's ideas or practices, a part of one's own

transitive
  • The company quickly swept up the innovative marketing strategy introduced by its competitor.
  • She decided to sweep the new fitness routine up from her friend and make it a part of her daily exercise.
  • The fashion industry tends to sweep up popular trends from various cultures and integrate them into mainstream fashion.
  • Students often sweep up study habits from high-achieving peers without consciously realizing it.
Synonyms:
adoptembraceespouse
4

to force someone to do something or be in a certain situation

transitive
  • The sudden announcement swept up the employees into a state of anticipation.
  • The unexpected turn of events swept up the characters in a whirlwind of change.
  • The announcement of the new project goals swept up the entire department, altering their priorities.
  • The economic downturn swept up small businesses in a struggle for survival.
  • The manager swept the team up in a new strategy to boost productivity.
Synonyms:
tanglesweepdrag inembroildrag
5

to gather and pull hair back from the face, often into a particular hairstyle

transitive
  • She swept up her long hair into an elegant bun for the formal event.
  • After a workout, it's convenient to sweep up your hair into a ponytail to keep it off your neck.
  • During hot summer days, many people prefer to sweep up their hair into a high, refreshing updo.
  • In preparation for the dance performance, the dancers were instructed to sweep up their hair into neat and uniform styles.
  • As the chef prepared to start cooking, she took a moment to sweep up her hair and secure it with a hair tie to maintain hygiene in the kitchen.