sweep

sweep out

1. To use a sweeping motion, especially with a brush or broom, to move something out (of something or some place) all at once. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "sweep" and "out." I want you to sweep out all of this dust and debris from the workshop before you leave tonight. The barber swept all the hair out of the room.
2. To clean something or some place by using a sweeping motion, especially with a brush or broom. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "sweep" and "out." I just want to sweep the garage out while there aren't any cars in it. Would you mind sweeping out the cabinets? Someone spilled a bunch of rice in there.
3. To push, pull, or carry someone or something out (of something or some place) all at once with a continuous force or movement. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can used between "sweep" and "out." The gust of wind swept the papers out of my hands and scattered them all around the park. A large wave swept the beachgoer out to sea, but the lifeguards were able to save him.
4. To force someone or something to leave some position or status thoroughly, decisively, or abruptly. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "sweep" and "out." Often used in passive constructions. The political party was swept out of power after numerous defeats in congressional elections around the country. The shocking defeat has swept last year's champions out of the first round of the playoffs.
See also: out, sweep

sweep up

1. To use a sweeping motion, especially with a brush or broom, to gather up and remove something all at once. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "sweep" and "up." I want you to sweep up all of this dust and debris before you leave. I need to sweep these leaves up off the lawn so I can cut the grass.
2. To use a sweeping motion, especially with a brush or broom, to clean something or some place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "sweep" and "up." Be sure to sweep up the workshop after you're done. I want you kids to sweep up this room right now!
3. To lift someone or something out (of something or some place) all at once with a sweeping force or movement. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "sweep" and "up." Almost always followed by "into (something)." I swept my kids up into my arms the moment I saw them. The gust of wind swept the papers up into the air.
4. To cause someone to feel captivated, charmed, or enthused about something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "sweep" and "up." Typically used in passive constructions. I don't really like sports, but even I was swept up in the excitement over the team's championship victory. People from all over the country have been swept up in protests against the government's new legislation.
See also: sweep, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

sweep something

out to clean something out by sweeping. Someone has to sweep the garage out. Don't sweep out this room. I'll do it.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See:
  • (as) black as a sweep
  • a new broom sweeps clean
  • black as a skillet
  • clean sweep
  • clean sweep, (make) a
  • make a clean sweep
  • new broom sweeps clean, a
  • New brooms sweep clean
  • off someone's feet
  • sweep
  • sweep (one) off (one's) feet
  • sweep (something) under the carpet
  • sweep (something) under the mat
  • sweep (something) under the rug
  • sweep (something) under the rug, to
  • sweep along
  • sweep aside
  • sweep away
  • sweep back
  • sweep back into (something)
  • sweep back to (something)
  • sweep down
  • sweep down on
  • sweep down on (someone or something)
  • sweep in
  • sweep into
  • sweep into (something)
  • sweep off
  • sweep off feet
  • sweep off of (something)
  • sweep off one's feet, to
  • sweep one off feet
  • sweep out
  • sweep out of
  • sweep out of (something or some place)
  • sweep out of some place
  • sweep over
  • sweep over (someone or something)
  • sweep somebody off their feet
  • sweep someone off their feet
  • sweep something under the carpet
  • sweep something under the rug
  • sweep the board
  • sweep through
  • sweep too broadly
  • sweep under the carpet
  • sweep under the rug
  • sweep up
  • sweep up after
  • sweep up after (someone or something)
  • sweep/brush something under the carpet
References in periodicals archive
Intermedium's insured sweep technology provides a comprehensive, turnkey solution for brokers, banks, and institutional money managers.
StoneCastle acquires Intermedium Financial's deposit sweep business
In Section 2 we review some related recent work on sweep surfaces.
A sweep surface based on bivariate B-spline motion
"It has taken a while to get all of the pieces in place, but I now have a fully equipped sweep van, full public liability insurance and am able to completely focus on the job.
Fireman's bid to clean up as chimney sweep; SAFETY
Sweep won his first competition last August and has since amassed a huge haul of trophies, ribbons and accolades.
Sweep the useless sheepdog jumps at his second chance; Hopeless hound to join Scotland agility team
"Unfortunately, the chimney sweep in this incident was not registered or approved."
Chimney sweep fined after pensioner died of carbon monoxide poisoning
The sweep must comply with the applicable NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.
Swept away a la 'Mary Poppins': duties of a chimney sweep and subrogation
Membership of NACS or the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps will show customers you are a competent chimney sweep, working to a strict code of practice and conduct.
Clean sweep every time
"Spring and summer are actually the best time to sweep," says Dawn.
You're a what? Chimney sweep
To estimate the proportional change in catch due to the sweep modifications, the difference between the natural logarithms of the catch weights from modified and unmodified trawls (LogDif) was calculated for each species from each twin-trawl haul:
Effective herding of flatfish by cables with minimal seafloor contact
As well as being an essential part of society a chimney sweep was often most welcome at a wedding as they offered the promise of good fortune for the couple.
Swept aside; A fond look back at the now-rare chimney sweep
Sweep switches work well in office buildings, tenant buildings, owner-occupied buildings, and warehouses.
When sweep switches make sense: when you can't start your lighting system from scratch, sweep switches provide an ecological, economical solution
The two players not playing a stone will be available to sweep the stone as directed by the skip.
The sports science of curling: a practical review
COOS BAY - Seven registered sex offenders in Coos County were arrested by Oregon State Police detectives in a sweep for noncompliance with registration requirements.
BRIEFLY
To clean a chimney, the chimney sweep inserts a suitable brush and pushes it through the length of the chimney using extendible rods until all soot and debris is removed.
CHIMNEY SWEEP; So you want to be a..