sweep
sweep — verb
1. to remove dust and loose dirt from a floor or other flat area with a long-handle
to remove dust and loose dirt from a floor or other flat area with a long-handled brush called a broom, gathering the unwanted material into a pile for disposal
Esteban sweeps the kitchen floor every morning before school starts.
sweep + noun (surface) — daily routine
Ingrid swept the dust into a pile and then carried it to the bin outside.
Putri swept the fallen leaves off the front steps after the storm passed.
sweep + noun + off + noun
The garage floor was so dusty that Minho had to sweep it twice.
passive: need to sweep + object + time
Élise picked up the broom and began to sweep the old workshop clean.
sweep + object + adjective (resultative)
- sweep the floor
- sweep the room
- sweep the kitchen
- sweep up the mess
- sweep away the dust
- sweep clean
- spill
opposite action — to cause dirt or liquid to scatter rather than collect
Grammar Patterns
sweep + noun (floor / room / surface)
sweep + noun + adjective (sweep + object + clean)
sweep + adverb of direction
sweep + noun + off / from + noun
Usage Note
The resultative pattern 'sweep something clean' is common in everyday speech. For a specific dirt substance, use 'sweep + object + off/from + surface'.
Common Mistakes
2. to move in a fast, smooth, and confident way, especially through or across a spa
to move in a fast, smooth, and confident way, especially through or across a space
A cold wind swept across the playground and sent papers flying everywhere.
sweep + across + noun (path swept)
Tanvi swept into the meeting room and took her seat at the head of the table.
The dancer's arm swept gracefully through the air during the final pose.
body part + sweeps + through + noun
Élise swept past the reception desk without stopping to sign in.
sweep + past + noun (not stopping)
The doors opened and the general swept out followed by his officers.
- sweep across
- sweep through
- sweep into
- sweep past
- sweep along
- tiptoe
to move slowly and quietly, the opposite of a sweeping entrance
Grammar Patterns
sweep + preposition (across / through / into / past / along)
sweep + adverb (past / by / out)
Usage Note
Often conveys an impression of elegance, power, or confidence. The subject can be a person, wind, water, or light.
Common Mistakes
3. to spread very quickly through a place or group of people, so that many are affe
to spread very quickly through a place or group of people, so that many are affected at once
A wave of excitement swept through the crowd when the singer appeared on stage.
emotion + sweeps + through + noun (group)
News of the earthquake swept across the country within minutes of the first shake.
A feeling of panic swept over her when she realised her passport was gone.
feeling + sweeps + over + person
The fashion for wearing bright orange sweaters swept through the city last winter.
The disease swept through the village before the medical team could reach it.
disease + sweeps + through + area (negative)
- sweep through the crowd
- sweep across the country
- sweep over someone
- sweep through the population
Grammar Patterns
sweep + through / across / over + noun (area / population)
Usage Note
Common with emotions (fear, excitement, panic), news/information, fashions/trends, and diseases. Subject can be abstract or concrete.
Common Mistakes
4. to move across every part of an area, examining it carefully in order to find so
to move across every part of an area, examining it carefully in order to find someone or something
The rescue team swept the forest with torches all night looking for the lost child.
sweep + area + with + tool + for + target
Nellie's eyes swept the room quickly to find her sister among the guests.
eyes + sweep + area (visual search)
The police swept the entire building with dogs trained to find explosives.
Using a telescope, Eric swept the night sky looking for signs of the comet.
The radar beam swept the ocean surface searching for any boats in trouble.
technology + sweeps + area (machine search)
- sweep the area
- sweep the room
- sweep the building
- sweep the sky
- sweep for clues
- sweep with a detector
Grammar Patterns
sweep + noun (area) + for + noun
sweep + adverb + for + noun
Usage Note
The object is the area being searched, not the thing being looked for. For the target of the search, use 'sweep + area + for + noun'.
Common Mistakes
5. used when talking about a road, river, mountain range, or staircase that takes a
used when talking about a road, river, mountain range, or staircase that takes a long, smooth, sweeping curve as it extends across the landscape
The road sweeps around the hill and offers a beautiful view of the valley below.
road + sweeps + around + noun
A long driveway sweeps up to the front door of the old country house.
driveway + sweeps + up to + noun
The river sweeps in a wide curve through the town before reaching the sea.
river + sweeps + in a + adjective + curve
The mountain range sweeps across the entire country from the coast to the desert.
A set of wide stone steps sweeps down from the terrace into the garden below.
steps + sweeps + down + prepositional phrase
- sweep around
- sweep across
- sweep down
- sweep up to
- sweep in a curve
Grammar Patterns
noun (road / river / mountain) + sweeps + preposition (around / across / down / up)
Usage Note
Only used for natural or architectural features that form a long, continuous curve. Not used for small or man-made objects.
Common Mistakes
6. to force someone or something to travel in a certain direction because of natura
to force someone or something to travel in a certain direction because of natural forces such as water, wind, or a crowd, typically with great power and speed
The floodwaters swept the car away before the driver could get out of it.
floodwater + sweeps + object + away (forceful removal)
Folake was swept along by the crowd and ended up outside the stadium gates.
passive: be swept + along
The strong current swept the small fishing boat far out to sea.
A huge wave swept two children off the rocks and into the cold water below.
sweep + off + noun (remove violently)
The wind swept her straw hat off her head and carried it down the street.
- sweep away
- sweep along
- sweep off
- sweep out to sea
- be swept away
- be swept along
- hold
to keep in place, the opposite of carrying away
Grammar Patterns
sweep + noun + adverb (away / along / off / up)
be swept + adverb
Usage Note
Common with natural forces (flood, wave, wind, current). In the passive voice ('be swept away/along'), it can also describe emotional impact: 'She was swept away by his charm.'
Common Mistakes
7. to win every part of a competition, election, or series of events easily, withou
to win every part of a competition, election, or series of events easily, without losing any part
The basketball team swept the series winning all four games against their strongest rivals.
team + sweeps + series (win all games)
Yael's party swept the election and took control of every major city council.
The young athlete swept all the gold medals at the national swimming championships.
athlete + sweeps + all the + prizes
The movie swept the awards ceremony winning every category it was nominated for.
Minho's school team swept to victory in the final and became city champions.
sweep + to + victory (intransitive pattern)
- sweep the series
- sweep the election
- sweep all the awards
- sweep to victory
- clean sweep
- sweep all before you
- dominate
implies being best throughout but not necessarily winning everything
- win outright
clearer but more formal; less dynamic than sweep
Grammar Patterns
sweep + noun (series / election / competition)
sweep + to + noun (victory / power)
Usage Note
Often used in sports, politics, and entertainment. The noun phrase 'clean sweep' (meaning a complete victory) is very common.
Common Mistakes
sweep up
phrasal verbto remove dirt or small objects from a floor or surface using a brush, collecting them into a pile
After the party Ingrid swept up the broken glass and empty bottles from the floor.
The shop assistant swept up the mess before the next customer walked in.
sweep away
phrasal verbto remove something completely, often with force or as if with great power
The spring rains swept away all the dirt and dust that had gathered on the streets.
The new government promised to sweep away the old rules that nobody liked.
sweep aside
phrasal verbto refuse to consider something or to treat it as not important
The director swept aside all the complaints from staff who disagreed with the new policy.
Eric swept aside his doubts and decided to go ahead with the risky plan.
sweep along
phrasal verbTo carry someone or something forward with great force or enthusiasm.
The crowd swept along the protesters toward the main square.
Was the boat swept along by the strong current?
sweep out
phrasal verbTo remove dirt or unwanted things from a place by sweeping.
Min swept out the garage before parking his car.
Did you sweep out the old leaves from the shed?
to hide a problem or something embarrassing instead of dealing with it openly
The manager tried to sweep the budget problem under the carpet by changing the reports.
Instead of fixing the leak, the landlord swept the issue under the rug and hoped nobody noticed.
to make someone suddenly feel very attracted to you, often in a romantic way, so that they lose their usual caution
Mira was completely swept off her feet by the charming musician she met at the party.
Dewi bought him flowers every day and soon swept him off his feet with her romantic gestures.
to win an election or competition by a very large amount, in a quick and decisive way
The new party swept to power after promising big changes to the education system.
The underdog team swept to victory in the final match, surprising all the experts.
sweep the board
idiomTo win all the main prizes or achieve total success in a competition.
Maya's team swept the board at the science fair this year.
Did the new restaurant sweep the board at the food awards?
To make someone fall deeply in love with you very quickly.
Diego swept Sara off her feet with his charming smile.
Has anyone ever swept you off your feet like that?
To win an election by a very large number of votes, or to cause someone to do so.
The popular candidate was swept to power in a landslide victory.
Did the new party sweep to power in the last election?
sweep to victory
idiomTo win a contest easily and by a large margin.
The home team swept to victory in the championship game.
Did the young runner sweep to victory in the marathon?
To hide a problem or wrongdoing instead of dealing with it.
The manager tried to sweep the financial error under the carpet.
Why do they always sweep their mistakes under the carpet?
sweep — noun
1. a fast, wide movement of something through the air or across a surface, or a car
a fast, wide movement of something through the air or across a surface, or a careful search across an area
With a single sweep of her hand she pushed all the papers off the desk.
sweep of + body part (gesture)
The police conducted a sweep of the abandoned building looking for stolen goods.
conduct a sweep + of + area (search)
The eagle took off with a powerful sweep of its huge wings.
The search team completed a sweep of the beach at dawn but found nothing.
completed a sweep + of + area
Tuan cut the branch down with one clean sweep of his sharp axe.
one clean sweep + of + tool (single action)
- a sweep of the hand
- a sweep of the arm
- conduct a sweep
- make a sweep
- a clean sweep
Grammar Patterns
a / the + sweep + of + noun
a + adjective + sweep
make a sweep of + noun (area)
Usage Note
The phrase 'a clean sweep' has two distinct meanings: (1) a smooth single motion, and (2) winning everything — see noun sense 7.
2. a broad stretch of land, water, or other surface that extends in a long, smooth
a broad stretch of land, water, or other surface that extends in a long, smooth curve
A great sweep of white sand stretched along the coast as far as the eye could see.
sweep of + natural feature (landscape)
The river makes a wide sweep around the old castle before flowing into the lake.
From the top of the tower you can see the full sweep of the valley below.
full sweep of + noun (complete view)
The garden had a beautiful sweep of green lawn in front of the main house.
The building stands alone on a sweep of open ground near the airport runway.
a sweep of + open ground
- sweep of land
- sweep of water
- sweep of lawn
- great sweep
- wide sweep
- full sweep
Grammar Patterns
a / the + sweep + of + noun (land / water / lawn)
a + adjective + sweep + of + noun
Usage Note
Often describes natural scenery (beaches, valleys, lawns) or the curve of a river. Use 'sweep of' followed by a landscape noun.
3. an act of cleaning a surface with a broom or brush
an act of cleaning a surface with a broom or brush
The floor needs a good sweep before we put down the new rug.
need a sweep (requires cleaning)
Layla gave the kitchen a quick sweep after dinner and wiped down the counters.
give + noun + a + adjective + sweep
This broom is perfect for a daily sweep of the living room floor.
The caretaker does a thorough sweep of all the classrooms every evening.
do a + adjective + sweep + of + noun
A quick sweep of the patio cleared away all the fallen leaves and dust.
- give it a sweep
- need a sweep
- a quick sweep
- a thorough sweep
- a good sweep
- a daily sweep
Grammar Patterns
a / the + sweep + of + noun (floor / room)
give + noun + a sweep
need a sweep
Usage Note
Countable noun — you can say 'a sweep' meaning one cleaning action. Often used with 'give' or 'need'.
Common Mistakes
4. a person whose job is to clean the inside of chimneys, removing soot and blockag
a person whose job is to clean the inside of chimneys, removing soot and blockages
The chimney sweep arrived with a set of long brushes and a metal ladder.
chimney sweep + carries + tools (profession)
In old storybooks chimney sweeps were shown with blackened faces and hands.
Our chimney sweep comes once a year to check that the fireplace is safe to use.
chimney sweep + annual visit
The street artist painted a picture of a chimney sweep from a hundred years ago.
The chimney sweep discovered a bird's nest blocking the flue and removed it carefully.
- chimney sweep
- call the sweep
- a sweep's brush
Usage Note
Often shortened to just 'sweep' in informal British English. 'I need to call the sweep' is a common phrase in older houses with fireplaces.
5. a cricket shot where the batter crouches on one knee and swings the bat across t
a cricket shot where the batter crouches on one knee and swings the bat across the body, striking the ball toward the leg side
The batter played a perfect sweep shot that sent the ball racing to the boundary.
play a sweep (cricket shot)
The coach taught the young players how to execute a safe sweep without getting out.
His favourite stroke in cricket is the sweep because it gives him good control of the ball.
The bowler aimed at the stumps but the batter hit a sweep for four runs.
hit a sweep for + score
Esteban practised the sweep for hours until he could time the shot perfectly.
- play a sweep
- hit a sweep
- sweep shot
- sweep for four
- sweep to the boundary
Usage Note
A specialised cricket term. Learners from countries where cricket is not played are unlikely to need this sense.
6. a fixed period of several weeks during which television audience numbers are mea
a fixed period of several weeks during which television audience numbers are measured to determine advertising prices for the coming months
TV channels always show their best programmes during the sweep period in November.
during the sweep period (fixed time window)
The networks compete fiercely during the sweeps to attract the largest possible audience.
during the sweeps (plural, meaning the period)
The company sets its advertising costs based on the data from the last sweep.
During the February sweep every channel puts out its strongest shows and movies.
The ratings from this sweep will decide how much advertisers have to pay next season.
- sweep period
- the sweeps
- sweep ratings
- November sweep
- February sweep
Grammar Patterns
the + sweep + period
during the + sweeps
Usage Note
Typically pluralised as 'the sweeps' or used attributively as 'sweep period'. Most common in the US television industry.
7. the result when a single person, team, or group wins every available prize, game
the result when a single person, team, or group wins every available prize, game, or competition without exception
The team completed a clean sweep by winning all three major competitions this year.
complete a clean sweep + of + competitions
Japan made a clean sweep of the gold medals in all the swimming events.
make a clean sweep + of + medals/prizes
The company achieved a clean sweep of all the industry awards at the ceremony.
The tennis player won a clean sweep of all four major tournaments this season.
A clean sweep by one party in the election can change the country's direction completely.
a clean sweep + by + group + in + event
- clean sweep
- complete a clean sweep
- make a clean sweep
- achieve a clean sweep
- a clean sweep of the awards
- grand slam
more specific — usually refers to winning all major tournaments in a sport
- perfect season
refers to winning every match or game, not just every competition
Grammar Patterns
a + clean + sweep
make a clean sweep + of + noun
Usage Note
Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'a clean sweep'. Rarely used without the adjective 'clean'.
Word family
- sweepernounB1
- sweepingadjectiveB2
- sweepingsnoun (plural)C1
- unsweptadjectiveC1
- sweepstakenounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
All five words involve removing dirt, but they differ in tool and method. 'Sweep' specifically uses a broom or brush to push loose dirt across a hard surface into a pile — the motion is broad and collecting. 'Brush' can mean using any brush (small or large) and does not imply the collecting action; you can brush crumbs off a table without gathering them. 'Mop' uses a wet cloth on a handle for liquid cleaning on floors, while 'sweep' is always dry. 'Wipe' is a rubbing motion with a cloth on any surface, usually smaller in scale. 'Clean' is the most general word covering all methods. For example: 'Sweep the floor before you mop it' shows the correct sequence. 'She swept the patio, then wiped the table clean with a damp cloth.'
Common collocations
Etymology
The word 'sweep' comes from Old English 'swāpan' meaning 'to sweep, brandish, or strike', which traces back to Proto-Germanic '*swaipaną' ('to sweep, to swing'). The sense of cleaning with a broom developed naturally from the motion of swinging a brush. Over time, the word extended from literal cleaning to the idea of moving forcefully or covering an area — hence the modern senses of sweeping winds, sweeping victories, and sweeping views. The noun forms appeared in Middle English, first describing the tool or action of cleaning, and later expanding to metaphorical uses like 'a sweep of land' and 'a sweep of power'.