Describes a physical movement of cleaning or clearing a surface by hand.

Physical Action

Can refer to removing items from a surface as well as cleaning.

Not Just Cleaning

Used for actions that are prompt or soon after something has occurred.

Implies that something has been thoroughly eliminated, leaving no trace.

Often used in grave contexts, implying serious or devastating effects.

Can be used metaphorically to talk about removing non-physical things, like memories.

Can convey the difficulty or desire to forget painful parts of one's past.