mop up

mop up (something)

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

2. 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.

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

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

See also: mop

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mop up someone

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