mop-up

[ mop-uhp ]

/ ˈmɒpˌʌp /

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

Nearby words

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

Those were mop-up operations, clearing the streets of the last of the priest-king forces; he was not needed there.
Warlord of Kor|Terry Gene Carr
A dozen times they had almost stumbled headlong into roving German mop-up patrols.
Dave Dawson at Dunkirk|Robert Sydney Bowen
"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
Golly, I want to be a Thorgunner and get in on the mop-up when it comes!
Be It Ever Thus|Robert Moore Williams

And a mop-up squad patrolled outward from the reclaimed camp, picked up two living Throgs, both wandering witlessly.
Storm Over Warlock|Andre Norton