sweep the board

To win all possible prizes or in all categories in a competition. Primarily heard in UK. Labour is expected to sweep the board in this district. James nearly swept the board at the award show—he took home seven different trophies!

See also: board, sweep

sweep the board

BRITISH

If someone sweeps the board in a competition or election, they win all the prizes or seats. The women's team has been quite outstanding, sweeping the board in swimming, diving, cycling and weight-lifting. The government swept the board in yesterday's first contested National Assembly elections. Note: This expression comes from card games where players place the money they are betting on a board or table. The image is of the winner sweeping his or her arm across the table to collect all the money.

See also: board, sweep

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

sweep the board

win all the money in a gambling game; win all possible prizes or rewards.

See also: board, sweep

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

sweep the ˈboard

win all or most of the prizes, games, money, etc: At the awards ceremony last night France swept the board, with six major prizes.

See also: board, sweep

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

References in periodicals archive

Pontypridd youngster Gareth Seward defied atrocious conditions to sweep the board in the Glamorgan Junior Championships at Langland Bay last week.

Seward shines

London Film Critics' Circle chairman William Russell said Master and Commander deserved to sweep the board.

No gong for final instalment of the Rings

BOOKMAKER Ladbrokes has closed the book on the Oscars because Chicago is such a strong favourite to sweep the board.

Chicago's a sure bet

It might have taken 30 years to come true but if any film deserves to sweep the board it's The King's Speech.

IT was in 1981 while [...]; VERDICT

BRITS are tipped to sweep the board at this year's big film awards.

Michael Caton

And, with this year's awards barely over, Hollywood is already tipping him to sweep the board next year as he turns his spotlight on slavery in his new film Amistad.

SLAVING FOR SUCCESS; Spielberg's new bid to break free

And despite England's biggest club winning just two trophies in the past six years, the 22-year-old insists they can sweep the board.

TIGERS HUNGRY

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.