wipe up
A2 neutral separable both
In simple words
To clean up a spill or mess by using a cloth to soak it up.
Literal meaning: To wipe something up from a surface — fully transparent.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To clean up a spill or liquid mess by wiping with a cloth, sponge, or paper towels.
"Could you wipe up that juice before someone slips on it?"
Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral
(British English) To dry washed dishes or surfaces with a cloth.
"I'll wash and you can wipe up — we'll be done in no time."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in everyday domestic contexts. Often used for small spills on tables, floors, or kitchen surfaces. Can also mean to dry dishes after washing (British English). Extremely natural and frequent in spoken language.
Commonly used with
spill mess water milk crumbs floor
Forms
Base
wipe up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wipes up
he/she/it
Past simple
wiped up
yesterday
Past participle
wiped up
have + pp
-ing form
wiping up
continuous
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