mop

Everyday

1. A mop is a cleaning tool with a long handle and thick strings or a sponge at the end, used to wash floors. tree →
2. To mop means to clean or wipe with a mop or cloth. tree →
3. A mop of hair is a thick, messy lot of hair. tree →
4. To mop up means to clean up liquid, or to finish dealing with something. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and chores you mop the kitchen floor or mop up spills; a «wet floor» sign warns people after mopping. In stories a character mops their brow (wipes sweat). A child with a «mop of curly hair». Phrases: «mop the floor», «mop up», «mop your brow», «a mop of hair», «mop and bucket».

Examples

• Please mop up the spilled juice. tree →
• Dad mopped the kitchen floor. tree →
• Careful — the floor has just been mopped! tree →
• She has a mop of curly red hair. tree →
• The caretaker brought a mop and bucket. tree →
• He mopped his face with a towel. tree →
• We mopped up the water after the bath overflowed. tree →
• Put out a wet floor sign after you mop. tree →
• The man took off his cap and mopped his brow. tree →

Note

Double p: mopped, mopping. Countable noun: mops. Safety: freshly mopped floors are slippery — walk carefully or wait until dry.