mop-up

[mop-uhp] /ˈmɒpˌʌp/
noun
1.
the act, process, or an instance of mopping up; completion of an operation or action.
Origin
1895-1900; noun use of verb phrase mop up

mop1

[mop] /mɒp/
noun
1.
a bundle of coarse yarn, a sponge, or other absorbent material, fastened at the end of a stick or handle for washing floors, dishes, etc.
2.
a thick mass of hair.
3.
a polishing wheel having several layers of cloth secured by a boss.
verb (used with object), mopped, mopping.
4.
to rub, wipe, clean, or remove with a mop (often followed by up):
to mop up a spill.
5.
to wipe as if with a mop:
to mop the face with a handkerchief.
verb (used without object), mopped, mopping.
6.
to clean or wipe with or as if with a mop (often followed by up):
First he swept, then he mopped up.
Verb phrases
7.
mop up,
  1. Military. to clear (ground, trenches, towns, etc.) of scattered or remaining enemy combatants after attacking forces have conquered the area.
  2. Informal. to dispose of; complete; finish:
    He mopped up the rest of his business and went on a vacation.
Idioms
8.
mop the floor with. floor (def 20).
Origin
1375-1425; earlier map, late Middle English mappe, apocopated variant of mappel < Medieval Latin mappula a cloth, equivalent to Latin mapp(a) napkin + -ula -ule
British Dictionary definitions for mop up

mop up

verb (transitive, adverb)
1.
to clean with a mop
2.
(informal) to complete (a task, etc)
3.
(military) to clear (remaining enemy forces) after a battle, as by killing, taking prisoner, etc
noun
4.
the act or an instance of mopping up

mop1

/mɒp/
noun
1.
an implement with a wooden handle and a head made of twists of cotton or a piece of synthetic sponge, used for polishing or washing floors, or washing dishes
2.
something resembling this, such as a tangle of hair
verb mops, mopping, mopped
3.
(transitive) often foll by up. to clean or soak up with or as if with a mop
See also mop up
Word Origin
C15 mappe, from earlier mappel, from Medieval Latin mappula cloth, from Latin mappa napkin

mop2

/mɒp/
verb mops, mopping, mopped
1.
(intransitive) to make a grimace or sad expression (esp in the phrase mop and mow)
noun
2.
such a face or expression
Word Origin
C16: perhaps from Dutch moppen to pour; compare Dutch mop pug dog

mop3

/mɒp/
noun
1.
(in various parts of England) an annual fair at which formerly servants were hired
Word Origin
C17: from the practice of servants carrying a mop, broom, or flail, etc, to signify the job sought
Word Origin and History for mop up

mop

n.

late 15c., mappe "bundle of yarn, etc., fastened to the end of a stick for cleaning or spreading pitch on a ship's decks," from Walloon (French) mappe "napkin," from Latin mappa "napkin" (see map (n.)). Modern spelling by 1660s. Of hair, from 1847.

v.

1709, from mop (n.). Related: Mopped; mopping.

Slang definitions & phrases for mop up

mop

noun
  1. The last item or act; the final result: And the mop was he got caught
  2. A head of hair; hairdo

[1944+ Black; probably from the notion of mopping or cleaning up, influenced by earlier jazz use ''the last beat at the end of a jazz number'']


Related Abbreviations for mop up

MOP

Macau-pataca (currency)
Idioms and Phrases with mop up

mop up

.
Clear an area of remaining enemy troops after a victory, as in They left behind just one squadron to mop up. [ c. 1900 ]
.
Perform the minor tasks that conclude a project or activity, as in Go ahead, I'll mop up these last invoices. [ First half of 1900s ]
Both usages transfer the task of housecleaning with a mop to other kinds of cleanup.