The phrase "sweep up" is pronounced as /swiːp ʌp/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word "sweep" follows the convention of the English language where the combination of "s" and "w" creates a consonant cluster /sw/. The "ee" in "sweep" represents the long vowel sound /iː/ and the "p" at the end indicates a voiceless bilabial stop /p/. The word "up" is spelled as it sounds, with a short vowel /ʌ/ and a voiceless bilabial stop /p/. Thus, when combined, "sweep up" is spelled as /swiːp ʌp/ in IPA transcription.
Sweep up is a phrasal verb that has multiple dictionary definitions depending on the context in which it is used. The term generally refers to the act of cleaning or gathering/collecting things using a broom or similar tool.
One definition of sweep up is related to cleaning floors or surfaces by using a broom and dustpan. In this context, it involves sweeping loose dirt, dust, or debris into a pile and then collecting it with a dustpan. This action helps to keep the area clean and tidy.
Another definition of sweep up is more figurative and refers to collecting or gathering items or people quickly and efficiently. This definition is commonly used in situations where a group of people, objects, or ideas are brought together or organized in a concise manner. For example, a manager may say, "Let's gather everything on this table and sweep up the important documents for the meeting."
In sports or competitive games, sweep up can describe a dominating victory or a clean sweep where one team or player wins all the matches or events in a series or tournament.
Overall, sweep up is a versatile phrasal verb that encompasses various meanings related to cleaning, gathering, and organizing, making it an essential term for both physical and metaphorical contexts.
The word "sweep up" is formed by combining the verb "sweep" with the particle "up".
The verb "sweep" can be traced back to the Old English word "swāpan" which meant "to brush, wipe, or clean". This word has Germanic origins and is related to the Old Norse word "sveipa" and the Gothic word "swaipan", both meaning "to sweep".
The particle "up" is a preposition/adverb that indicates movement in an upward direction. It comes from the Old English word "ūp" which has the same meaning.
When these two elements are combined, "sweep up" refers to the action of gathering or collecting something by using a broom or another cleaning tool and moving it in an upward direction, typically from the floor or ground.