Sweep up Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Literal Action Directly refers to the physical action of cleaning with a broom or brush. After the craft session, they had to sweep up all the glitter. Pro Tip 2/3Regular Chore Commonly used in the context of household chores or janitorial work. Every Saturday, the children help sweep up the leaves in the garden. Pro Tip 3/3Complete Cleaning Implies cleaning the entire area or all of something, not just parts. Janice is thorough; she sweeps up every crumb.