The phrase "made a clean sweep" refers to the act of thoroughly and completely eliminating or clearing away something, often pertaining to a particular situation or competition. It derives its meaning from the act of cleaning and sweeping, which traditionally involves meticulously removing dirt, dust, or debris to achieve a spotless or pristine state.
In a figurative sense, to "make a clean sweep" means to achieve a decisive victory or success by completely defeating or surpassing all opponents or obstacles in a given context. It denotes the complete dominance or thorough eradication of any opposing forces or elements that stand in the way of one's goal or objective.
This expression is commonly used in various domains such as sports, politics, or business, where it denotes a remarkable achievement or an outstanding performance that leaves no room for rivals or competitors. For instance, in a sporting event, if a team wins every game in a tournament without conceding a single goal, they can be said to have made a clean sweep. Similarly, in politics or elections, a candidate who secures a majority vote in every constituency or district can be said to have achieved a clean sweep.
Overall, the phrase "made a clean sweep" encapsulates the notion of thoroughness, success, and accomplishment, emphasizing the elimination of all obstacles and rival entities in order to achieve total victory and triumph.
