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sweep in

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To come into a place quickly and impressively, or to take over somewhere fast and powerfully.

Literal meaning: To sweep into a space — moving in a broad, flowing arc like the arm motion of sweeping.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

room power victory forces majority doorway

Forms

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

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Synonyms

stride in march in breeze in storm in sail in

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