説明中心

sweep

[swiːp]

sweep Definition

  • 1clean (an area) by brushing away dirt or litter
  • 2move quickly and smoothly in a particular direction
  • 3win (a series of games, matches, or votes)
  • 4search (an area) for something
  • 5a wide-ranging search of an area or place

Using sweep: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sweep" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She swept the floor with a broom.

  • Example

    The wind swept through the trees.

  • Example

    The party swept to power in the election.

  • Example

    The police are sweeping the area for clues.

  • Example

    The company conducted a sweep of all its offices.

sweep Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sweep

Antonyms for sweep

Idioms Using sweep

  • to completely remove or get rid of something

    Example

    The new CEO made a clean sweep of the company's management team.

  • to hide or ignore something embarrassing or unpleasant

    Example

    The government has been accused of sweeping the issue of police brutality under the carpet.

  • to win all the prizes or awards in a competition

    Example

    The film swept the board at the Oscars, winning six awards.

Phrases with sweep

  • to dismiss or ignore something as unimportant

    Example

    He swept aside my objections and went ahead with his plan.

  • sweep off one's feet

    to cause someone to fall suddenly and completely in love with you

    Example

    He swept her off her feet with his charm and good looks.

  • to hide or ignore something embarrassing or unpleasant

    Example

    The company tried to sweep the scandal under the rug, but it eventually became public.

Origins of sweep

Old English 'swāpan', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'zwaaien' and German 'schweifen'

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Summary: sweep in Brief

The verb 'sweep' [swiːp] can mean to clean an area by brushing away dirt or litter, move quickly and smoothly in a particular direction, win a series of games, matches, or votes, or search an area for something. It can also refer to a wide-ranging search of an area or place. Phrases like 'sweep aside' and 'sweep under the rug' denote dismissing or hiding something, while 'sweep off one's feet' means to fall suddenly and completely in love with someone. 'Sweep' extends into idioms like 'make a clean sweep,' meaning to completely remove something.

How do native speakers use this expression?