mop up

mop something up

to clean up something, such as a spill, with a mop or with a mopping motion. Please mop this mess up. I will mop up this mess.

See also: mop, up

mop up (after someone or something)

1. Lit. to clean up with a mop a sloppy mess made by someone or something. I am the one who has to mop up after the mess you made!

2. Fig. to rectify a problem that someone or something has created. You made a fuss in the conference and upset everyone. I spent hours mopping up after you in private meetings with all in attendance.

See also: mop, up

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mop up (something) also mop something up

1. to complete something The fire wasn't completely out, and we should have stayed and mopped it up.

2. to rid an area of an enemy Army troops were mopping up the last of the rebel fighters.

3. to remove what has been damaged by a storm or other violent event California has just started to mop up after two storms blasted the state.

4. to remove the results of a problem Altman's department was in charge of mopping up the banking scandal.

See also: mop, up

mop up somebody also mop somebody up

to defeat someone The vice president mopped up his opponent in a televised debate. Everyone says he's a great fighter, but Ali could have mopped him up in a second.

See also: mop, up