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barrer

to sweep

verb bah-RREHR Rare

Origin: From Latin verrere (to sweep).

Also means

to wipe out

Usage Note

Barrer literally means to sweep with a broom (escoba). Figuratively it means to wipe out or overwhelm completely — el equipo barrió al rival ('the team swept aside the opposition'). The idiomatic phrase barrer para casa ('to sweep towards home') means to act in one's own self-interest, a common criticism in politics and business.

Examples

"Tengo que barrer la cocina antes de cenar."

Natural Translation

I have to sweep the kitchen before dinner.

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