sweep up
phrasal verb
swept up; sweeping up; sweeps up
1
: to remove dust, dirt, etc., from (something) by using a broom or brush
When I was sweeping up, I found an earring that I had lost.
Can you please sweep up the porch?
2
: to remove (something, such as dust, dirt, etc.) from a surface by using a broom or brush
She swept up the broken glass.
3
: to pick up (someone or something) in one quick, continuous motion
She swept the baby up and carried her to the crib.
4
: to brush or pull (hair) away from the face
—usually used as be swept up
Her hair was swept up in a bun.
Examples of sweep up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But Vatican insiders and interlocutors said the pontiff wanted to avoid getting swept up in the polarizing politics that characterized his country.
—
Almudena Calatrava and Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
On May 2, Venus will join Neptune in Aries, adding a dreamy, almost ethereal quality to your love life — try not to get swept up in ideals and fantasies.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
On Earth, other than needing to have a broom nearby to sweep up the cuttings, the hair that is cut off during a trim is not a big concern.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Democrats warn the Trump administration is depriving people of due process, which could lead to further errors and the potential for U.S. citizens to get swept up in the deportations.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sweep up
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Almudena Calatrava and Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
On May 2, Venus will join Neptune in Aries, adding a dreamy, almost ethereal quality to your love life — try not to get swept up in ideals and fantasies.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
On Earth, other than needing to have a broom nearby to sweep up the cuttings, the hair that is cut off during a trim is not a big concern.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Democrats warn the Trump administration is depriving people of due process, which could lead to further errors and the potential for U.S. citizens to get swept up in the deportations.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sweep up
Cite this Entry
“Sweep up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweep%20up. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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