clean house
Sweep out everything
Clean house means to tidy up a home thoroughly, but its more common use is figurative: to make sweeping changes by getting rid of unwanted people or things.
Organizations clean house when they fire problem employees or restructure after scandal.
The new CEO cleaned house, replacing most of the executive team.
Politicians promise to clean house when campaigning against corruption.
The phrase implies decisive, comprehensive action rather than minor adjustments.
Complete systematic repair
- streamlineRemove unnecessary elements
- restructureRearrange fundamental organization
- revampRestructure extensively
- shake-upSudden structural overhaul
reform · realign · modernize · reengineer · declutter · sort out · put in order · get organized
overhaul
Complete systematic repair
- streamlineRemove unnecessary elements
- restructureRearrange fundamental organization
- revampRestructure extensively
shake-up · reform · realign · modernize · reengineer · declutter · sort out · put in order · get organized · fresh start
firing
Terminating employment
purge · sack · pink slip · downsize · discharge · redundancy · sweep out · shake-up · let go · clear out
vacuum
Absence of matter
sweep · polish · sanitize · disinfect · spotless · spick-and-span · wipe down · sponge · broom · dustpan
- cleanlinesscleanliness, dirty, neatness, wash up, filthy
- getting organizedget organized, in order, put in place, straighten up, tidy up