English Reference

Phrasal verb

sweep away

Definition

phrasal verb. to remove something completely and quickly, like a broom moving dirt or a wave moving sand. You can use it for physical things or for feelings and ideas that suddenly disappear.

phrasal verb. to eliminate or remove something forcefully and comprehensively. It functions both literally, regarding physical displacement, and figuratively, regarding the sudden removal of emotions, systems, or obstacles.

Examples

“The flood waters sweep away everything in their path.”

“The new manager's arrival helped sweep away the old, inefficient ways of working.”

“The revolutionary fervor of the late eighteenth century threatened to sweep away the established monarchies of Europe.”

Examples

simple

“The flood waters sweep away everything in their path.”

contextual

“The new manager's arrival helped sweep away the old, inefficient ways of working.”

complex

“The revolutionary fervor of the late eighteenth century threatened to sweep away the established monarchies of Europe.”

Usage

often used in the passive voice when describing the effects of natural disasters or large social changes.

Teaching tip

contrast the literal sense (cleaning with a broom) with the figurative sense (removing an idea or system) to help students see the 'completeness' of the action.

Phrasal verb

Particles

away

Separability

optional

Pattern

sweep + (object) + away

Synonyms

removeeliminatewipe outclear away

Antonyms

establishkeepbuild up

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference