1
general::
Phrase(s): wash someone up
to terminate someone in something. • This error is going to wash you up as an account executive. • That washed me up. • Problems like this have washed up quite a few careers., Phrase(s): wash someone or something up
1. to clean up someone or something by washing. • Please wash the baby up as long as you are changing the diaper. • I’ll wash up the baby. • Sam will wash himself up before dinner. 2. [for water or the waves] to bring someone or something up onto the shore or beach. • Look what the waves washed up! A bottle with a note in it! • The waves washed a bottle up., Phrase(s): wash up (for something)
to clean [oneself] up for something, such as a meal. • Please wash up for dinner. • Go and wash up!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Wash one's hands and face, as in It's time to wash up for dinner. [First half of 1900s] Also see CLEAN UP, def. 2. 2. Clean the utensils after a meal, as in I'll cook dinner if you promise to wash up. [Mid1700s] Also see DO THE DISHES. 3. Bring about the end or ruin of; finish. This usage is often used put in the passive, be washed up, as in She's all washed up as a singer. [Colloquial; early 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms