mop-up

[ mop-uhp ]

noun

1. the act, process, or an instance of mopping up; completion of an operation or action.

mop up

verb

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

1. the act or an instance of mopping up

Word History and Origins

Origin of mop-up¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; noun use of verb phrase mop up

Example Sentences

Desman Stephens had played only a handful of snaps to this point, mostly in mop-up duty, but as the freshman linebacker peered over the line of scrimmage at Penn State’s offense Saturday, he could see the third-down play unfolding in his head.

From Los Angeles Times

Crews are continuing mop-up efforts on the fire’s south flank, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

These crews also do mop-up and cleanup work.

From Los Angeles Times

But after giving up a run in a meaningless mop-up inning of a 10-4 loss at San Francisco on June 30, his downturn over his next five games was sharp:

From Los Angeles Times

With 11 starts at UNLV, Maiava already has more game-time experience than Moss, whose duty before his Holiday Bowl heroics mostly amounted to fourth-quarter mop-up duty.

From Los Angeles Times