sweep away

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

sweep away (third-person singular simple present sweeps away, present participle sweeping away, simple past and past participle swept away)

1. (transitive) To remove something by, or as if by, sweeping.
   • 1960 February, “Talking of Trains: S.R. coach slaughter”, in Trains Illustrated, page 73:

     A general withdrawal order has been issued for most types over 30 years old, writes R. P. Walford, sweeping away much of the early Maunsell stock that was the pride of the newly-formed S.R., [...].

   • 2022 November 2, Paul Bigland, “New trains, old trains, and splendid scenery”, in RAIL, number 969, page 57:

     Bradford once boasted two stations with overall roofs. The pair were swept away in the 1970s in an act of corporate and civic vandalism.

2. (idiomatic, transitive) To overwhelm someone emotionally; sweep someone off their feet.
   • 1996, Macy Nulman, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer, page 234:

     Balaam was swept away with admiration of the Israelite encampments and homes that were a picture of idyllic happiness and prosperity.

3. (idiomatic, transitive) to completely destroy, to annihilate
   • 2011 February 5, Chris Whyatt, “Wolverhampton 2 - 1 Man Utd”, in BBC‎:

     Instant drama ensued as Wolves appealed for a penalty as Brazilian right-back Rafael swept away any danger from Jarvis with his upper body after 40 seconds.

• “sweep something away”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.