mop-up

[ mop-uhp ]

/ ˈmɒpˌʌp /

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See synonyms for: mop-up / mop-ups on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act, process, or an instance of mopping up; completion of an operation or action.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of mop-up

First recorded in 1895–1900; noun use of verb phrase mop up

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use mop-up in a sentence

“They believe when this is done they can mop up al Qaeda units,” he said.
Al Qaeda Clash With Free Syrian Army a New Stage of Opposition Split|Eli Lake|September 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Back at the hospital, an orderly took advantage of a brief break to spray the floor and mop up blood.
As Syria’s Bloody Civil War Rages, Aleppo’s Hospitals Are Under Siege|Toby Muse|October 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The media has made much of the extravagant mop-up and security arrangements ahead of the meeting.
Summit of the Americas in Cartagena Will Be a Minefield for Obama|Mac Margolis|April 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Being made to mop up when the bathroom plumbing breaks down at the Edwards house?
Andrew Young's Revenge|Tina Brown|January 31, 2010|DAILY BEAST

I'd mop up this stuff about organization and management mighty quick, for that business stuff comes natural to me.
Children of the Whirlwind|Leroy Scott
"Me mop up all de water," grinned Ching, looking the coolest person aboard the launch.
The Hero of Panama|F. S. Brereton
I'll mop up all the blood spilt with a cambric handkerchief.
Lippincott's Magazine, Vol. 20, No. 33, November 1877|Various
I got a light, and proceeded to mop up, as best I could, and then endeavoured to find a dry place to sleep in.
A Voyage in the 'Sunbeam'|Annie Allnut Brassey
"Congratulations on the mop-up, which I understand was one hundred point oh oh oh percent," the officer said.
Man of Many Minds|E. Everett Evans

British Dictionary definitions for mop-up

mop up

verb (tr, adverb)

to clean with a mop

informal to complete (a task, etc)

military to clear (remaining enemy forces) after a battle, as by killing, taking prisoner, etc

noun mop-up

the act or an instance of mopping up

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with mop-up

mop up

Clear an area of remaining enemy troops after a victory, as in They left behind just one squadron to mop up. [c. 1900]

Perform the minor tasks that conclude a project or activity, as in Go ahead, I'll mop up these last invoices. [First half of 1900s] Both usages transfer the task of housecleaning with a mop to other kinds of cleanup.