clean away
يزيل بالتنظيف
字面意思: To clean (something) and move it to a distance (away)
Use `clean away` when you are physically removing a mess to make a space look new again.
15秒了解
- To remove dirt or mess completely from a surface.
- Used for physical cleaning like wiping, sweeping, or washing.
- Implies the mess is gone and the area is clear.
意思
This phrase means to remove dirt, debris, or unwanted items by washing, wiping, or sweeping them until the surface is completely clear.
关键例句
3 / 6After a family dinner
Can you help me clean away the leftovers from the table?
Can you help me remove the leftovers from the table?
Spilling juice on the floor
I need to clean away this juice before it gets sticky.
I need to wipe away this juice before it gets sticky.
A professional kitchen setting
Please clean away all debris from the prep station immediately.
Please remove all debris from the prep station immediately.
文化背景
The phrase reflects the Western cultural value of 'tidiness' and the psychological relief of a clean environment. It became a staple in household manuals and advertising during the mid-20th century 'suburban boom' in the US and UK. In some contexts, it carries a sense of 'starting over' or resetting a space for a new purpose.
The 'Object' Sandwich
You can put the object in the middle! `Clean the mess away` sounds very natural and emphasizes the 'away' part.
Don't use for people
In English, 'cleaning away' a person sounds like you are a mobster 'removing' someone. Stick to dirt and objects!
15秒了解
- To remove dirt or mess completely from a surface.
- Used for physical cleaning like wiping, sweeping, or washing.
- Implies the mess is gone and the area is clear.
What It Means
Clean away is more than just a quick wipe. It means you are removing something completely. You are making the mess disappear from sight. Think of it as restoring order to a space. It often implies a sense of completion. You aren't just cleaning; you are clearing the area.
How To Use It
You can use it with a specific object. For example: clean away the crumbs. You can also put the object in the middle. Try saying clean the mess away. It works perfectly for liquids, dust, or leftovers. It is a very active, physical phrase. Use it when you want to emphasize the removal of the dirt.
When To Use It
Use it after a big dinner party. Use it when someone spills coffee on your desk. It is perfect for describing chores at home. It also works in professional settings like a kitchen or lab. If you see a mess that shouldn't be there, clean it away. It feels satisfying to say because it implies the mess is gone.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for abstract things like bad memories. You don't clean away a sad feeling. Also, don't use it for deep scrubbing that doesn't remove material. If you are polishing a mirror, you are just cleaning it. If you are removing a layer of dust from the mirror, then you can clean away the dust. Avoid using it for people—that sounds a bit like a movie villain!
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, there is a big focus on 'clearing the slate.' We love the idea of a fresh start. Clean away fits this perfectly. It reflects a desire for organized, tidy living spaces. It is often associated with the end of an event. When the party is over, the 'cleaning away' begins. It signals that the fun is done and it's time for rest.
Common Variations
You might hear clear away which is very similar. Clear away usually refers to objects like plates or chairs. Clean away specifically focuses on the dirt or the mess itself. You can also use wash away for liquids or wipe away for quick motions. They all share that satisfying 'away' ending!
使用说明
This is a neutral phrasal verb suitable for most daily situations. It is separable, meaning the object can go between 'clean' and 'away'. It focuses on the removal of the mess rather than the act of scrubbing.
The 'Object' Sandwich
You can put the object in the middle! `Clean the mess away` sounds very natural and emphasizes the 'away' part.
Don't use for people
In English, 'cleaning away' a person sounds like you are a mobster 'removing' someone. Stick to dirt and objects!
Spring Cleaning
In the US and UK, 'Spring Cleaning' is a huge cultural event where everyone 'cleans away' a year's worth of clutter.
例句
6Can you help me clean away the leftovers from the table?
Can you help me remove the leftovers from the table?
Focuses on removing the physical remains of the meal.
I need to clean away this juice before it gets sticky.
I need to wipe away this juice before it gets sticky.
Used for a liquid mess that needs immediate removal.
Please clean away all debris from the prep station immediately.
Please remove all debris from the prep station immediately.
Used as a clear instruction in a work environment.
Hey, could you clean away your art supplies? I need the desk.
Hey, could you clear your art supplies? I need the desk.
Informal request to move items to create space.
It took three hours to clean away the 'masterpiece' you painted on the wall!
It took three hours to remove the painting you did on the wall!
Using the phrase to highlight the scale of a mess.
They worked hard to clean away the mud left by the storm.
They worked hard to remove the mud left by the storm.
Shows effort in removing a significant, unwanted substance.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
After the party, we spent an hour ___ away the confetti.
Confetti is a physical mess that needs to be removed from the floor, so `cleaning away` is the correct phrasal verb.
Fill in the missing part of the phrasal verb.
Please clean ___ the dust before the guests arrive.
While `clean up` works for a general area, `clean away` is used specifically for removing the dust itself.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Clean Away'
Talking to family about chores.
Clean away those crumbs!
Standard everyday usage.
We need to clean away the mud.
Instructional or technical manuals.
Clean away all chemical residue.
Where to use 'Clean Away'
Kitchen
Removing food scraps.
Workshop
Sweeping sawdust.
Garden
Clearing dead leaves.
Office
Wiping coffee rings.
常见问题
10 个问题They are close, but clean up usually refers to a whole room (e.g., clean up the kitchen), while clean away refers to removing a specific substance (e.g., clean away the grease).
It is less common. Usually, we say delete or clear out. However, you could say clean away the clutter on my desktop metaphorically.
Yes, it is neutral. For example, Please ensure the contractors clean away all construction debris is perfectly professional.
Wipe away specifically implies using a cloth or hand in a sliding motion. Clean away is more general and could involve scrubbing or sweeping.
It sounds a bit poetic or strange. Usually, we use wash away or wipe away for emotions or memories in literature.
Yes! You can say clean away the dirt or clean the dirt away. Both are grammatically correct.
Not necessarily. You can clean away dust with a dry brush or clean away crumbs with your hand.
Using it when nothing is actually being removed. If you are just polishing a clean surface, you aren't 'cleaning away' anything.
Usually, we say clear away the snow or shovel the snow. Clean away sounds like you are using soap on the snow!
Yes, it is used frequently in both British and American English with the same meaning.
相关表达
clear away
To remove items (like dishes) to make a space empty.
wipe off
To remove something from a surface using a cloth.
scrub out
To clean the inside of something thoroughly by rubbing hard.
tidy up
To make a room neat by putting things in their proper places.
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