ENGLISH
REFERENCE

clean up

idiom
Meaning

To become clean, handsome, smart in appearance, e.g. for a special occasion, especially when it is out of character to be seen as such.


Examples
SIMPLE

You should clean up before your date arrives.

CONTEXTUAL

He had to clean up for the wedding, so he finally wore a suit.

COMPLEX

Despite his usual disheveled appearance, he managed to clean up quite nicely for the formal awards ceremony.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    clean as a hound's tooth

    Very clean.

  2. 02

    clean as a whistle

    Very clean.

  3. 03

    clean break

    The complete termination of a relationship, or an exit from a situation.

  4. 04

    clean hands

    Freedom from guilt, especially from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe-taking.

  5. 05

    clean money

    Money that is legally or honestly gained or earned.

  6. 06

    clean someone's clock

    To defeat someone decisively, in a physical fight or other competition or negotiation.

  7. 07

    clean up one's act

    To reform; to improve one's habits.

  8. 08

    come clean

    To confess; admit the truth.

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