1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To enter a place confidently, gracefully, or dramatically in a way that commands attention.
"She swept in twenty minutes late, wearing a red dress and ignoring everyone's stares."
inseparable
sweep in
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To enter a place in a grand, confident, or dramatic way, or (of forces) to arrive rapidly and take over.
In plain English
To come into a place quickly and impressively, or to take over somewhere fast and powerfully.
What does "sweep in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To gain power, win an election, or take control rapidly and decisively.
"The new party swept in with an historic majority, promising radical reforms."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
Of wind, weather, or a natural force: to arrive suddenly and with great power.
"A cold front swept in from the north, dropping temperatures by fifteen degrees."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sweep into a space — moving in a broad, flowing arc like the arm motion of sweeping.
Actually means
To come into a place quickly and impressively, or to take over somewhere fast and powerfully.
Usage tip
Often used to describe a person making a dramatic, impressive, or self-important entrance. Also used in political and military contexts to describe forces rapidly gaining control. Frequently appears in literary and journalistic writing.
Words that pair with "sweep in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
room power victory forces majority doorway
How to conjugate "sweep in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sweep in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sweeps in
he/she/it
Past simple
sweeped in
yesterday
Past participle
sweeped in
have + pp
-ing form
sweeping in
continuous
Hear "sweep in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "sweep in"
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Keep exploring
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