Phrasal verb
clean out
Meanings
To remove everything from a room, container, or space; to empty it completely (often while tidying).
To remove unwanted items from a place by throwing them away or getting rid of them.
Definition
To remove everything from a place so it becomes empty and clean.
"Clean out" most commonly means to remove all the contents of a space and make it empty, often as part of tidying or organizing. It can involve throwing things away, donating them, or putting them somewhere else. People often use it for closets, drawers, fridges, garages, and emails or files.
Examples
- I need to clean out my closet this weekend.
- You should clean out your fridge before you go shopping.
- She cleaned out her desk drawer and found a missing key.
- They cleaned out the garage and donated a lot of old tools.
- We cleaned out our inbox after the project ended.
Common mistake
Learners often forget that the object can go between the verb and particle (e.g., "clean it out," not "clean out it").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.