Idiom Breakdown

clean up

COLLOQUIAL Appearance

menu_book

Definition

To become clean, handsome, smart in appearance, e.g. for a special occasion, especially when it is out of character to be seen as such.

To make something less corrupt or unseemly.

To make a large profit; to win by a large margin, or to win a large amount, especially in gambling. Also clean house.

chat_bubble_outline

"He sure cleans up nice."
"clean up one's act"
"Gays in Providence have suggested that the raid on the Club Baths was a political action. There is some belief that the newly re-elected Cianci administration wants to prove that it is "out to clean up the city." During the election campaign, the Cianci administration was attacked by opponents as being "soft on crime.""
"Man, he sure cleaned up last night at the blackjack table."
"The investors cleaned up when the stock hit the roof last year."
"And for Rodgers, who cleaned up with Celtic in Scotland, this was another significant addition to his CV, as his expert guidance of Leicester - who are in a strong position to finish in the Premier League's top four and face Chelsea again at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday - now has a tangible reward in the shape of the FA Cup."

compare_arrows