1
general::
1. Remove or eliminate unwanted persons or things, as in The new owners made a clean sweep of the place, intending to replace all the equipment. This phrase replaced the much older (16th-century) general sweep. [Mid-1800s] 2. Win overwhelmingly, as in Our candidate made a clean sweep of all the districts. This usage is most often found with reference to success in a sports competition or election.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): make a clean sweep
Fig. to do something completely or thoroughly, with no exceptions. • The boss decided to change the direction of the company, so he made a clean sweep and fired all the top management. • They made a clean sweep through the neighborhood, repairing all the sidewalks.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs