mop up

Học thuật
Thân thiện
mop up

He uses a mop to mop up the spilled juice on the kitchen floor.

Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):
    • To complete or finish a task thoroughly: To bring a task or activity to a full and final conclusion, often by dealing with remaining details or problems.
    • To defeat an opponent decisively: To overcome an opponent or enemy completely and thoroughly.
    • To clean or absorb liquid by wiping with a mop or cloth: To use a mop or similar absorbent material to clean a surface or remove a liquid spill.
Usage Examples

  • Verb (To complete a task):

    • After the main negotiations, we need to mop up the final details of the contract.
    • The software team worked late to mop up the last few bugs before the launch.

  • Verb (To defeat thoroughly):

    • The champion boxer mopped up the floor with the inexperienced challenger.
    • Our strategy was to mop up the remaining enemy forces after the main assault.

  • Verb (To clean by wiping):

    • Could you please mop up that spilled juice before someone slips?
    • She gently mopped up the sweat from his brow with a cool cloth.
Advanced Usage
  • Military/Tactical Context: Often used to describe the final phase of a military operation where remaining pockets of resistance are eliminated.
    • The infantry's job was to mop up after the aerial bombardment.
  • Business/Project Context: Refers to handling final, often minor, tasks after the main work is done.
    • The project manager stayed behind to mop up the administrative loose ends.
Variants and Related Words
  • Mop-up (noun): The act or process of completing a task or eliminating remaining resistance.
    • The mop-up after the festival took three days.
  • Mop (verb): The base verb, meaning to clean with a mop.
    • I have to mop the kitchen floor.
Synonyms
  • Finish off: To complete the final part of something.
  • Wrap up: To bring to an end or conclusion.
  • Annihilate / Rout: To defeat utterly (for the "defeat" sense).
  • Wipe up / Clean up: To remove liquid or dirt by wiping (for the "clean" sense).
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Clean up: To make a place clean and tidy. (Can be similar but broader than "mop up," which implies using a wiping/absorbing action for liquids).
    • We need to clean up the entire garage this weekend.
  • Polish off: To finish something completely, especially food or a task.
    • He polished off the last of the reports before leaving.
Related Idioms
  • Mop the floor with someone: To defeat someone very easily and completely in a competition or fight. (This idiom is the source for the "defeat" sense of "mop up").
    • The debate team mopped the floor with their opponents.
mop up

He uses a mop to mop up the spilled juice on the kitchen floor.

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

Từ đồng nghĩa