make a clean sweep
make a clean sweep
remove all unwanted people or things ready to start afresh
win all of a group of similar or related sporting competitions, events or matches.
Related Idioms :
clean as a whistle
extremely clean or clear
free of incriminating evidence – informal
a clean bill of health
a declaration or confirmation that someone is healthy or something is in good condition
In the mid 18th century, a bill of health was an official certificate given to the master of a ship on leaving port. If clean, it certified that there was no infection either in the port or on board the vessel.
a clean sheet = a clean sheet slate
an absence of existing restraints or commitments
2003 - Guardian - Given a clean slate and an impressive budget, I would love to programme a festival that exposed audiences to completely new forms of music making at their best and most diverse.
clean his clock
give someone a beating
defeat or surpass someone decisively - North American informal
Clock is used here in the slang sense of face.
clean house
eliminate corruption or inefficiency - North American
clean up your act
behave in a more acceptable manner – informal
come clean
be completely honest and frank – informal
have clean hands = keep your hands clean
be uninvolved and blameless with regard to an immoral act.
keep a clean sheet
(in a football match) prevent the opposing side from scoring.
keep your nose clean
stay out of trouble - Informal
make a clean breast of something = make a clean breast of it
confess your mistakes or wrongdoings.
In former times, many people believed that the breast or chest was where a person's conscience was located. The breast is still used metaphorically to represent the seat of the emotions.
Mr. Clean
an honourable or incorruptible politician.
take someone to the cleaners
take all of someone's money or possessions in a dishonest or unfairway
inflict a crushing defeat on someone.
make a clean sweep :
Idioms Index – Previous Page
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