mop-up

American  

[mop-uhp] / ˈmɒpˌʌp /

noun

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

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mop up British  

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

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noun

1. the act or an instance of mopping up

mop up Idioms  

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

2. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of mop-up

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

Example Sentences

Addressing the LAFD’s failure to fully extinguish the Lachman fire, which later reignited into the Palisades fire, Chief Jaime Moore conceded at a January board meeting that mop-up procedures needed to be strengthened.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

At that point, Battalion Chief Martin Mullen, who was running the mop-up operation, had walked three laps around the perimeter of the fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Gardner said the department has since developed a post-fire policy and mop-up procedures after the Mountain fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

His final three games came in a mop-up role for a Green Bay team that went 4-12 in 1986.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

"Congratulations on the mop-up, which I understand was one hundred point oh oh oh percent," the officer said.

From Man of Many Minds by Evans, E. Everett (Edward Everett)

Related Words

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