wipe (redirected from wiped)

[blow/bomb/wipe etc.] something/swh off the map

to destroy something completely, especially with bombs. At least eight Spanish warships were blown off the map.

See also: blow, bomb, map

wipe the floor with someone (British, American & Australian, American)

to defeat someone easily. Alex is always really good in a debate, she'll wipe the floor with them.

See also: floor

wipe the slate clean

to make it possible to start something again, without any of the mistakes or problems of the past. The time he spent in prison should have wiped the slate clean.

See also: clean, slate

wipe the smile off someone's face

to make someone feel less happy or confident, especially someone who is annoying you because they think they are very clever. Tell him you saw Helena at the cinema with another guy - that should wipe the smile off his face.

See also: face, smile

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wipe somewhere off the map

to cause a place to stop existing. The flood of 1965 almost wiped the town off the map.

See also: map

wipe out

to have a very serious accident. Jim wiped out on the ice and broke his leg. He was driving crazily and wiped out on a curve.

Usage notes: usually someone wipes out because they are going too fast

wipe out (someone/something)

1. to destroy someone or something. We were ordered to wipe out a small enemy force hiding in the village. The floods wiped whole villages out.

2. to cause someone to lose or spend all their money. My neighbor was totally wiped out by the last recession. A night out with Paul and Michelle just about wiped us out.

wipe the slate clean

to forget all past problems or mistakes and start something again. Rogers hoped he could wipe the slate clean and forget about his failed business.

Usage notes: also used in the form have a clean slate: She wanted to have a clean slate to start with.

See also: clean, slate

wipe the smile off your face

to stop looking happy or pleased. You'll feel so good, you won't be able to wipe the smile off your face.

See also: face, smile