sweep away

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sweep away

The floodwaters sweep away the small wooden bridge.

Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):
    • To remove or carry off completely, typically with force: To eliminate something entirely, often by a powerful, sweeping motion or force, leaving no trace.
    • To overwhelm emotionally; to captivate completely: To affect someone with such strong emotion (e.g., joy, love, awe) that they feel carried off by the feeling.
Usage and Examples
  • Literal meaning (to remove/carry off):
    • The floodwaters threatened to sweep away the small bridge.
    • The new policy aims to sweep away outdated regulations.
  • Figurative/Emotional meaning (to overwhelm/captivate):
    • The beauty of the symphony swept the audience away.
    • He was completely swept away by her charm.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be swept away": This passive form is very common, especially for the emotional meaning, describing the state of being overwhelmed.
    • She was swept away by the romantic gesture.
    • Don't get swept away by your initial excitement; think it through.
Variants and Related Words
  • Sweep (verb): The base form, meaning to clean or clear a surface with a brush or broom, or to move swiftly and powerfully.
  • Sweeping (adjective): Extensive, wide-ranging, or overwhelming (e.g., , ).
Synonyms
  • Eliminate/Eradicate: To remove or destroy completely (for the "remove" meaning).
  • Enrapture/Captivate: To fill with great delight or joy; to charm (for the "overwhelm emotionally" meaning).
  • Overwhelm: To affect deeply or overpower.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
  • Sweep aside: To dismiss or ignore something as unimportant.
    • He swept aside all objections and continued with his plan.
  • Sweep over: (Of a feeling) to affect someone suddenly and strongly.
    • A wave of nostalgia swept over her.
Related Idioms
  • A clean sweep: A complete victory or removal of everything.
    • The new manager made a clean sweep of the old staff.
  • (To be) swept off one's feet: To be charmed or captivated, especially in a romantic context. This idiom is very close in meaning to the emotional sense of "sweep away."
    • He completely swept her off her feet with his kindness.
sweep away

The floodwaters sweep away the small wooden bridge.

Verb
  1. overwhelm emotionally
    • Her swept her away
  2. eliminate completely and without a trace
    • The old values have been wiped out

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