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.

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