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

Fires that are smaller than five acres, the policy states, should include a line cut by hand or with a bulldozer around the entire perimeter, and 100% mop-up where crews extinguish remaining hot spots and smoldering material within the fire’s control lines using water and foam.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Larger fires are required to have “wet mop-up extending a minimum of 100 feet from the fire perimeter,” according to the document.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Experts said the LAFD’s decision not to deploy thermal imaging drones during the mop-up was one of several critical missteps in the days ahead of the Palisades fire.

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Millichamp and Scmack, who can locate possums with his nose, are the mop-up team.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Heavy equipment crews are en route to assist with mop-up and the establishment of a bare-earth dozer lines around the perimeter, with full containment expected to require an extended operation into early evening.”

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