Meaning of the word "clean up" in English

What does "clean up" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

clean up

US /kliːn ˈʌp/

UK /kliːn ʌp/

to make a place or thing completely clean and tidy

Example:

•

We need to clean up this mess before mom gets home.

•

The volunteers helped to clean up the park after the festival.

Synonym:

tidy up straighten up clear up spruce up neaten up

to make a large amount of money, especially illegally or by exploiting a situation

Example:

•

He really cleaned up on the stock market during the boom.

•

The company cleaned up by selling overpriced medical supplies during the pandemic.

Synonym:

to deal with a problem or an unpleasant situation successfully

Example:

•

The new manager was hired to clean up the department's financial issues.

•

It's time to clean up the corruption in the government.

Synonym:

rectify resolve address sort out put right