sweep up
To use a broom to clean up mess from the floor, or to pick someone up quickly in your arms.
Meanings
To clean a floor or surface by gathering dirt, debris, or fragments with a broom.
"Could you please sweep up the broken glass before someone steps on it?"
To lift or pick up someone (especially a child) with a quick, sweeping arm motion.
"She swept her daughter up in her arms the moment she saw her at the airport."
To involve or draw people into a situation, movement, or feeling rapidly and powerfully.
"Nationalism swept up the entire population during that turbulent decade."
The cleaning sense is extremely common and among the most basic uses of the verb 'sweep.' The figurative sense (scooping a person up) is also well-established. Can also describe a force gathering something up as it moves.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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