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English Phrase of the Day

clean up



Definitions

English > English
clean up
     1. v. To make an area or a thing clean; to pick up a mess; to tidy.
           Clean up your room.
     2. v. (intransitive, idiomatic, colloquial) To become clean, handsome, smart in appearance, e.g. for a special occasion, especially when it is out of character to be seen as such.
           He sure cleans up nice.
     3. v. (intransitive, idiomatic) To make a large profit; to win by a large margin, or to win a large amount, especially in gambling. Also clean house.
           Man, he sure cleaned up last night at the blackjack table.   The investors cleaned up when the stock hit the roof last year.
Analysis
clean
     1. adj. Free of dirt or impurities or protruberances.:
     2. adj.          Not dirty.
                   Are these dishes clean?  Your room is finally clean!
     3. adj.          In an unmarked condition.
                   Put a clean sheet of paper into the printer.
up
     1. adv. Away from the surface of the Earth or other planet; in opposite direction to the downward pull of gravity.
           I looked up and saw the airplane overhead.
     2. adv. (intensifier) Used as an aspect marker to indicate a completed action or state Thoroughly, completely.
           I will mix up the puzzle pieces.
           Tear up the contract.

Example Sentences

They were nagging me to clean up my room. 
She starts to clean up the room obsessively. 



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