scrub up
To wash yourself really well so you look clean and tidy, or before doing medical work
Meanings
(Medical) To wash hands and arms thoroughly with antiseptic before a surgical operation
"All members of the surgical team scrubbed up before entering the operating theatre."
(British informal) To wash and dress smartly, making oneself look noticeably attractive or well-presented
"You scrub up really well — I barely recognised you in that suit!"
"He scrubs up well, doesn't he?"
To wash or clean something vigorously until it is thoroughly clean
"She scrubbed up the old pots until they were gleaming."
Has two main senses: the medical one (washing hands and arms before surgery) and the informal British English sense of cleaning up and looking smart or attractive. The latter is often used as a compliment: 'You scrub up well!'
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Forms
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Synonyms
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