Phrasal verb
clean up
Meanings
to make a place clean and tidy; to remove mess or dirt
to improve a situation or organization by correcting problems, stopping wrongdoing, or making things orderly
to wash or make yourself clean after getting dirty
Definition
To make a place clean and tidy by removing dirt and mess.
“Clean up” most often means to make an area neat and free of dirt or clutter. It can involve putting things away, wiping surfaces, and throwing out trash. It can also mean to improve a situation by fixing problems or stopping bad behavior.
Examples
- I need to clean up the kitchen before guests arrive.
- You should clean up your desk so you can find your notes.
- He stayed late to clean up after the workshop.
- She went to the bathroom to clean up after gardening.
- They promised to clean up the park after the picnic.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say “clean the up room” instead of the correct word order “clean up the room.”
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.