clean sweep

Part of Speech

Phrase (Noun)

Pronunciation

/kliːn swiːp/

Definitions

• Noun: A complete or total victory or success, especially in a competition or contest, where the winner achieves the highest possible result in all categories.
• Noun: A thorough and comprehensive removal or cleaning of something, especially to eliminate all dirt or undesirable elements.

Usage Examples

• The team made a clean sweep of the championship, winning every match in the series.
• He managed to get a clean sweep in the election, winning every district.
• The new cleaning service gave the house a clean sweep, leaving it spotless.
• The party achieved a clean sweep in the polls, taking all the seats in the parliament.

Etymology

The phrase "clean sweep" originated in the 19th century and was first used in the context of sports, especially horse racing, where it referred to a horse winning all of its races in a series. Over time, the phrase broadened to signify any complete or thorough success in a given competition or situation. The term "clean" in this case refers to a flawless or unblemished victory.

Synonyms

• Complete victory
• Clean victory
• Unanimous win
• Perfect win
• All-out success

Antonyms

• Defeat
• Loss
• Failure
• Partial success
• Draw

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English: /kliːn swiːp/
• In British English: /kliːn swiːp/
• In Australian English: /kliːn swiːp/

Historical Usage

The term "clean sweep" originated in the 19th century and was first used in reference to horse racing, where a horse that won all its races in a series was said to have made a clean sweep. Over time, it expanded to describe any situation in which someone or something achieves a total or flawless victory. The phrase is now commonly used in sports, politics, and business to describe an all-encompassing win or success.

Cultural Nuances

The idea of a "clean sweep" is widely appreciated as a symbol of excellence and unmatched success. In many cultures, it represents not only victory but also purity and completeness. The phrase is often used in contexts where there is a sense of achievement without any lingering flaws or drawbacks. It is particularly prevalent in competitive situations, where achieving a clean sweep is seen as the pinnacle of accomplishment.

More Information

The "clean sweep" can be applied in various areas, from sports teams dominating a tournament to political candidates winning by large margins across all districts. It can also refer to thorough cleaning, as in "giving the house a clean sweep," or making significant, sweeping changes to an organization or system. The phrase is a powerful metaphor for success, often used to convey the idea that nothing was left unfinished or imperfect in the process.