mopping-up

[ mop-ing-uhp ]

/ ˈmɒp ɪŋˈʌp /

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adjective

serving to complete or put the finishing touches to a phase of a particular action.

serving to complete a military campaign by killing or capturing any remaining enemy troops: a mopping-up operation.

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Question 1 of 7

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Origin of mopping-up

1905–10; mop up + -ing¹, used attributively

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What need to look to right or left when you are swallowing up free mile after mile of dizzying road?
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Most of the men leaped up, caught hold of spears or knives, and rushed out.
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