sweep the floor

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   To clean a floor by using a brush to remove dust and dirt.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; the object is usually 'the floor' or another surface. It takes a direct object.

   Patterns

   • sweep the floor
   • sweep the floor with a broom

   I need to sweep the floor before the guests arrive.

   She swept the floor quickly and then mopped it.

   He swept the floor with a stiff brush to remove the sand.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   To win every part of a competition or election; to defeat all opponents.

   Grammar: Figurative use; often used in political or sports contexts. Takes an object like 'the floor' meaning the entire group.

   Patterns

   • sweep the floor with someone

   The home team swept the floor with their rivals, winning every match.

   In the debate, she swept the floor with the other candidates.

Common combinations

sweep the floor clean

He swept the floor clean before painting the walls.

sweep the floor with a broom

She swept the floor with a broom and a dustpan.

sweep the floor thoroughly

You should sweep the floor thoroughly to get rid of all the crumbs.

sweep the floor under the table

Don't forget to sweep the floor under the table.

Synonyms and how they differ

brush

To brush a floor means to use a brush to clean it, but 'sweep' specifically suggests a sweeping motion with a broom.

clean

Cleaning is a general term that includes sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming; sweeping is just one method.

Word family

sweeper noun

A person or machine that sweeps floors.

sweeping noun

The act of cleaning a floor with a broom.

Commonly confused: sweep the floor or mop the floor?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “sweep the floor”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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