Clean house
verb phrase
To physically clean one's house or living space by removing dirt, mess or garbage.
Sarah decided to clean house this weekend as she was expecting guests.
Often appears as...
- decide to clean house
- need to clean house
verb phrase
To make a big change by getting rid of people or things that are no longer useful or necessary, especially in an organization or activity.
After the new CEO was appointed, he decided to clean house and get rid of the redundant staff.
Often appears as...
- clean house in the company
- new management decided to clean house
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To physically clean one's house or living space by removing dirt, mess or garbage.
Sarah decided to clean house this weekend as she was expecting guests.
Often appears as...
- decide to clean house
- need to clean house
verb phrase
To make a big change by getting rid of people or things that are no longer useful or necessary, especially in an organization or activity.
After the new CEO was appointed, he decided to clean house and get rid of the redundant staff.
Often appears as...
- clean house in the company
- new management decided to clean house
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
Refers to actual cleaning, involves physical tidying and organizing spaces.
I'm going to clean house before my parents arrive.
Pro Tip 2/3Preparation Reason
Often done before an event, like expecting guests or celebrating a special day.
Let's clean house before the New Year's party.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Misuse
Should not be used to mean reform or improve unless talking about an actual space.
She cleaned her house, not her company's strategies.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
Refers to actual cleaning, involves physical tidying and organizing spaces.
I'm going to clean house before my parents arrive.
Pro Tip 2/3Preparation Reason
Often done before an event, like expecting guests or celebrating a special day.
Let's clean house before the New Year's party.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Misuse
Should not be used to mean reform or improve unless talking about an actual space.
She cleaned her house, not her company's strategies.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
Refers to actual cleaning, involves physical tidying and organizing spaces.
I'm going to clean house before my parents arrive.
Pro Tip 2/3Preparation Reason
Often done before an event, like expecting guests or celebrating a special day.
Let's clean house before the New Year's party.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Misuse
Should not be used to mean reform or improve unless talking about an actual space.
She cleaned her house, not her company's strategies.
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