mop up

US /mɑːp ʌp/

UK /mɑːp ʌp/

1.

to finish a task or deal with the last parts of something

:

•

We need to mop up the remaining work before the deadline.

•

The army was sent to mop up the last pockets of resistance.

:

finish off complete conclude clear up deal with

2.

to clean up a liquid spill using a mop or absorbent material

:

•

Please mop up the spilled water on the floor.

•

She used a towel to mop up the coffee.

:

soak up wipe up absorb sponge up

:

mop on the up and up up up to come up with follow up keep up with