clean up
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.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You should clean up before your date arrives.”
“He had to clean up for the wedding, so he finally wore a suit.”
“Despite his usual disheveled appearance, he managed to clean up quite nicely for the formal awards ceremony.”
- 01
clean as a hound's tooth
Very clean.
- 02
clean as a whistle
Very clean.
- 03
clean break
The complete termination of a relationship, or an exit from a situation.
- 04
clean hands
Freedom from guilt, especially from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe-taking.
- 05
clean money
Money that is legally or honestly gained or earned.
- 06
clean someone's clock
To defeat someone decisively, in a physical fight or other competition or negotiation.
- 07
clean up one's act
To reform; to improve one's habits.
- 08
come clean
To confess; admit the truth.
Last updated August 10, 2026