Wipe/mop the floor with somebody

usgb
verb

To overpower or defeat someone completely in an argument or a competition.

He's so smart, he'll mop the floor with his opponents in the debate.
Visual representation of "wipe/mop the floor with somebody" - To overpower or defeat someone completely in an argument or a competition

Often appears as...

  • mop the floor with opponents
  • wipe the floor with competition

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "wipe/mop the floor with somebody"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Figurative Meaning

This phrase doesn't involve literal cleaning, but rather beating someone in competition.

Illustration for Figurative Meaning
During the chess tournament, Maya just wiped the floor with every challenger.
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Informal Usage

It's a casual expression, not suitable for formal or serious contexts.

Illustration for Informal Usage
At the office party's trivia game, our manager mopped the floor with us!
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Humorous Tone

Often used jokingly to describe an effortless victory or to tease friends.

Illustration for Humorous Tone
You think you can beat me at ping-pong? I'll mop the floor with you!
Visual representation of the word "Wipe/mop the floor with somebody"

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