flush

Everyday

1. To flush a toilet is to clean it by making water rush through it. tree →
2. To flush something is to clean or empty it with a lot of water. tree →
3. To flush is to go red in the face, from heat, embarrassment or being upset. tree →
4. A flush is a red colour in the face, or the rush of water in a toilet. tree →
5. Flush (adjective) means exactly level with another surface. tree →
6. To flush an animal or person out is to make them come out of hiding. tree →

In the lessons

In hygiene lessons: flush the toilet after using it, close the lid first to stop germs spraying, then wash your hands; only flush toilet paper, never wipes, toys or cotton buds, which block pipes. In stories, a character who flushes is embarrassed or angry. In building or craft, «flush» means level. Phrases: «flush the toilet», «flush away», «flush out», «her face flushed», «flush with».

Examples

• Always flush the toilet and wash your hands. tree →
• Don't flush wet wipes; they block the pipes. tree →
• Close the lid before you flush. tree →
• His cheeks flushed when everyone clapped. tree →
• The doctor flushed out the cut with clean water. tree →
• The shelf must be flush with the wall. tree →
• The dog flushed a rabbit out of the bush. tree →
• A flush of pride spread over her face. tree →
• She flew in excitedly, her face flushed and her dress stained with mud. tree →

Note

Third person «flushes», past «flushed». «Flushed» as an adjective means red-faced. Do not confuse with «blush», which is going red only from embarrassment; «flush» can be from heat, fever or feeling too.