varrer

Senses

1. 1.

   to sweep

   to clean a floor or surface by brushing away dirt with a broom

2. 2.

   to sweep away, to wipe out

   to remove or eliminate completely, often with force

3. 3.

   to sweep (across/over)

   to move rapidly across an area or surface

Examples

• "Preciso varrer a cozinha antes das visitas chegarem."

  I need to sweep the kitchen before the guests arrive.

• "O time adversário varreu o nosso da competição."

  The opposing team swept ours out of the competition.

• "A tempestade varreu a costa inteira."

  The storm swept across the entire coast.

Usage

Common verb in everyday contexts. Often used with "chão" (floor), "casa" (house), or "rua" (street). The figurative sense of eliminating or defeating is very common in sports and competitive contexts. "Varrer para debaixo do tapete" (sweep under the rug) is a popular idiom meaning to hide problems.