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Phrasal verbs "peel away" vs "sweep away"

Differences between peel away and sweep away

Peel away usually means to remove a layer or covering from something, while sweep away generally means to remove or clear something completely, often with a broom or brush.

Meanings and Definitions: peel away vs sweep away

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Peel away

  • 1Leave a group by moving in a different. direction.

    Some of the crowd PEELED AWAY to get out of the crush.

Sweep away

  • 1To become completely absorbed or carried away by something.

    I got quite swept away with the spirit of the moment.

  • 2To completely remove or destroy something, especially with force or speed.

    Many people died when floods swept their homes away.

Usage Examples: peel away, sweep away in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

peel away

Example

Some of the protesters peeled away from the main group.

Example

He peels away from the crowd to find a quieter spot.

sweep away

Example

The strong wind swept away the leaves from the sidewalk.

Example

She sweeps away the dust from the floor every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Peel away

strip off

To remove a layer or covering from something by pulling or tearing it away.

Example

She carefully stripped off the wallpaper to reveal the original paint underneath.

uncover

To reveal or expose something that was previously hidden or covered.

Example

The investigation helped uncover the truth behind the company's fraudulent practices.

peel back

To gradually remove or lift a layer or covering from something.

Example

He slowly peeled back the bandage to check the wound's healing progress.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sweep away

clear out

To remove or get rid of something completely, often by cleaning or organizing.

Example

She spent the weekend clearing out her closet and donating old clothes to charity.

brush aside

To dismiss or ignore something without giving it much attention or consideration.

Example

He brushed aside her concerns about the project's feasibility and proceeded with his plan.

wipe out

To eliminate or destroy something completely, often with force or impact.

Example

The hurricane wiped out entire neighborhoods and caused widespread damage to the region.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “peel”

Phrasal Verbs with “sweep”

Differences in peel away vs sweep away: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: peel away or sweep away?

In daily conversation, people use sweep away more often than peel away. This is because sweep away is used for more common tasks such as cleaning or removing debris. Peel away is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about removing a layer or covering from something. So, while both phrases are used, sweep away is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of peel away and sweep away

Peel away and sweep away are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of peel away and sweep away

The tone of peel away and sweep away can differ based on context. Peel away often carries a deliberate or careful tone when related to removing a layer or covering, while sweep away typically has a practical and efficient tone, especially when referring to cleaning or clearing a space.

peel away & sweep away: Synonyms and Antonyms

Sweep away

Synonyms

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