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Translation

mop up

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Explanation of "Mop Up"

Definition: The phrase "mop up" can mean a few different things depending on the context. Here are the main meanings:

Usage Instructions:
  • As a verb: You can use "mop up" when talking about cleaning or finishing something. It can be used in both literal (cleaning) and figurative (finishing tasks) contexts.
  • As a noun: It can describe the final actions taken to complete a task or clean up.
Examples:
  1. Literal use (cleaning): "I need to mop up the spilled water before it damages the floor."
  2. Figurative use (finishing tasks): "We mopped up the last of the paperwork before the deadline."
  3. Competitive use: "He mopped up the competition during the race, finishing far ahead of everyone else."
Advanced Usage:
  • In a business context, "mop up" can refer to finalizing a project or addressing any lingering issues after a major task is completed.
  • In sports, it can be used to describe a team that wins decisively against another.
Word Variants:
  • Mop (noun): The tool used for cleaning.
  • Mopping (noun/verb): The act of using a mop to clean.
Different Meanings:
  • Mop (noun): A cleaning tool.
  • Mop up (noun): The act of finishing or cleaning up.
Synonyms:
  • Clean up
  • Finish off
  • Wrap up
  • Conclude
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
  • "Mop the floor with someone": This is an idiom that means to defeat someone easily in a competition.
  • "Wrap up": This can also mean to finish something completely.
Summary:

"Mop up" is a versatile phrase that can be used to describe cleaning, finishing tasks, or defeating opponents.

Noun
  1. a concluding action
Verb
  1. finish a task completely
    • I finally got through this homework assignment
  2. defeat thoroughly
    • He mopped up the floor with his opponents
  3. to wash or wipe with or as if with a mop
    • Mop the hallway now
    • He mopped her forehead with a towel

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