Sweep Meaning
Sweep Definition & Usage
To clean or clear a surface by brushing, swiping, or moving something with a sweeping motion.
Examples
- "She swept the floor after breakfast."
- "He swept the dust under the rug when no one was looking."
- "I need to sweep the kitchen before we can start cooking."
- "The janitor swept the hallway quickly before the students arrived."
- "After the party, we all pitched in to sweep up the confetti."
To move swiftly and smoothly over a large area or along a surface.
Examples
- "The wind swept through the trees, making the leaves rustle."
- "The athlete swept across the finish line in first place."
- "The boat swept through the calm waters, leaving a trail behind."
- "The fire swept through the building before the firefighters could control it."
- "The car swept around the corner at high speed."
To encompass or include a wide range of things or events, often with a sense of thoroughness.
Examples
- "The documentary swept across several continents, exploring diverse cultures."
- "Her performance swept the audience off their feet."
- "The election results swept across the nation, bringing change to many areas."
- "The new fashion trend has swept through social media."
- "His research swept through various academic disciplines, garnering international attention."
To win or achieve all or nearly all of the available opportunities in a competitive context.
Examples
- "The team swept the series, winning all the games."
- "The politician swept the election, winning every state."
- "She swept the competition, claiming first place in every event."
- "The band swept the awards, taking home every major category."
- "The company swept the market, becoming the leader in its field."
Cultural Context
The word 'sweep' has its origins in Old English and has evolved over time to encompass a variety of meanings, from the physical act of cleaning to figurative uses related to wide-reaching effects or complete victories. In its most literal form, sweeping is an everyday domestic activity, but it has become symbolic of broader ideas such as success, movement, and influence in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
The Great Sweep of Change
Story
The Great Sweep of Change
In a quiet village nestled among rolling hills, the community was abuzz with anticipation. The village had been swept by a wave of change ever since the new mayor, Jane, took office. Her campaign had promised a sweeping reform to improve infrastructure and education, and the town was eager to see the results. As Jane walked down the cobblestone streets, she noticed the symbolic sweep of a broom in the hands of a young boy, his small effort to tidy up before the upcoming town meeting. Yet, just as the boy swept the dirt from the square, Jane felt the sweep of history against her, knowing that her actions could change everything. The meeting that afternoon would address the economic situation. Her administration had already swept through the bureaucracy, eliminating outdated regulations and streamlining procedures. Jane's team had swept across the county, meeting with local leaders to gather input and ideas. When she stood before the crowd, she spoke with confidence, sharing her vision of a future where the village could flourish despite its challenges. As Jane finished her speech, the crowd erupted into applause. Her message had swept through the room, leaving the people inspired and hopeful. It wasn't just her words that had won them over, but her steadfast commitment to sweeping change. As the meeting concluded, Jane felt that she, too, had been swept up in the momentum of something much bigger than herself. In the following months, Jane's reforms began to take effect. The village's schools and streets were cleaned up, new jobs were created, and the community began to thrive once more. In the end, the village experienced a true 'sweep' of success—where everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, contributed to a brighter future.
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