mop-up

[mop-uhp]

noun

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

mop up

verb

1. to clean with a mop

2. informal,  to complete (a task, etc)

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

noun

1. the act or an instance of mopping up

Word History and Origins

Origin of mop-up¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Fire experts say that such wildfire management agreements, with limitations for mop-up and suppression, are standard nationally in the fire service for areas in which a local, state or federal agency contracts a fire department at a different level of government for suppression services.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Fire experts note that, even if the state restricted mop-up in some way, firefighters did not have to leave; they could have patrolled the area longer, used thermal imaging technology and left hose lines out.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A former L.A. fire chief who asked not to be identified so he could speak candidly said firefighters had other options for mop-up.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The idea that a resource advisor would be able to significantly inhibit a fire fight or a mop-up operation “is a false premise,” he said, “in the sense that resource advisors are just that — they are advisors. They do not make decisions, they do not lead crews, they do not tell people what to do.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The firefighter said he saw a state park representative on scene, though he did not speak to the person and had no information about whether the person influenced mop-up operations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplish 
• achieve 
• clinch 
• close 
• complete 
• conclude 
• do 
• end 
• make 
• play out 
• settle 
• stop 
• wind up 
• wrap up