clean up — to make a place tidy by removing dirt, rubbish, or unwanted items
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to make a place tidy by removing dirt, rubbish, or unwanted items
Pronunciation (IPA): /kliːn ʌp/
Example Sentences
- My mom told me to clean up my room, but I think it has its own ecosystem now.
- The company needs to clean up its image after the scandal.
- She cleaned up in the stock market and retired early.
clean up
VERB[/kliːn ʌp/]
to make a place tidy by removing dirt, rubbish, or unwanted items
The kids clean up the messy living room before mom gets home.
Bean up the garden, lean up and rest, then clean up the mess!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrasal verb combines Old English 'clæne' (pure, free from dirt) with 'up' (upward, completely), forming a compound expression that emerged in the 16th century. Originally denoting physical removal of dirt or waste, it later acquired metaphorical meanings related to resolving, correcting, or removing problems.
Breakdown
clean (Old English clæne: pure, free from dirt) + up (Old English upp: upward, thoroughly, completely), functioning as a particle to intensify the verb's action and indicate completion.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom told me to clean up my room, but I think it has its own ecosystem now.”
“The company needs to clean up its image after the scandal.”
“She cleaned up in the stock market and retired early.”
“I always have to clean up after my roommate's cooking disasters.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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