phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb
wash up
to clean dishes or hands
What it means
In British English, to clean the dishes after a meal. In American English, it usually means to wash your hands and face, especially before eating.
Examples
- I'll cook dinner tonight if you promise to wash up afterwards.
- Go and wash up, kids — supper will be on the table in five minutes.
- She washed up the wine glasses by hand to avoid scratching them.
- Tons of plastic wash up on this beach after every winter storm.
Where it comes from
Classic British vs American difference: a Brit doing the washing-up has a sink full of plates, while an American is at the bathroom sink. A third meaning ('wash up on shore') applies in both varieties.
Related phrasal verbs
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