The phrase "sweeps away" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /swiːps əˈweɪ/. The first part, "sweeps," is pronounced with a long "ee" sound and an "s" that is slightly hissed. The second part, "away," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, an "w" sound that barely touches the lips, and a final "y" sound that requires a slight upward inflection of the voice. Together, these sounds create the feeling of something being quickly carried away, as if by a gust of wind.
The phrase "sweeps away" refers to a forceful and rapid movement that displaces or removes something or someone. It is commonly used in a metaphorical sense to describe an action or event that has a powerful and overwhelming effect on a situation or a group of people.
In a literal sense, "sweeps away" pertains to the act of forcefully removing debris or dirt from a surface using a sweeping motion. For example, one may sweep away fallen leaves from a patio or sweep away dust from a tabletop. This action is characterized by the use of a broom or any similar tool to effectively gather and remove unwanted material.
Metaphorically, "sweeps away" is often used to describe events or actions that have an immense impact, causing a sudden and significant change. For instance, a powerful storm can sweep away entire houses, indicating the force and magnitude of its destructive nature. Likewise, a new revolutionary idea may sweep away old traditions or ways of thinking, leading to a paradigm shift.
Whether in the literal or metaphorical sense, "sweeps away" implies a forceful, swift, and transformative action, often leaving a distinct mark on its surroundings. It conveys a sense of power, urgency, and efficiency in removing or displacing something, be it physical or conceptual.
The etymology of the word "sweeps away" can be broken down as follows:
1. Sweep: The word "sweep" originated from the Old English word "swēpan", which meant to clean or clear by brushing or moving with force. It has Germanic and Old Norse roots.
2. Away: The term "away" comes from the Old English word "onweg", which means "on the road" or "on the journey". It is a combination of "on" (meaning "in") and "weg" (meaning "way" or "road").
When these two words are combined, "sweeps away" refers to the action of cleaning or moving something forcefully and completely in a specific direction, often conveying a sense of removal or elimination.