Phrasal verb WASH UP

WASH UP

1. To wash up something (or wash something up) is to clean the dishes, saucepans and cutlery that you have used for cooking and eating a meal.

British and Australian English.

Examples of use:

1. Can you help me wash up these dishes, please?
2. I love cooking, but I hate washing up all the saucepans afterwards.

2. To wash up is to clean your hands with soap and water.

American English.

Examples of use:

1. Dinner is ready – go and wash up, please.
2. Make sure you wash up before you eat your take-out.

3. Wash up something or wash something up. When something washes up it is carried to land by the sea or a river, and left there.

International English.

Examples of use:

1. The old boat washed up on the beach in the storm.
2. The sea washes up old fishing nets in the winter.
3. A whale carcass washed up on the beach last week.