1. Complete Victory: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a complete and decisive win, often in a competition or election. For example, "The team made a clean sweep of the tournament, winning all their matches."
2. Thorough Removal: This meaning is used when something is completely removed or eliminated. For example, "The new management team made a clean sweep of the old staff."
3. Comprehensive Cleaning: This meaning is more literal, referring to a thorough and complete cleaning of a place. For example, "I did a clean sweep of the kitchen after dinner."
4. A Quick and Efficient Removal: This meaning can be used in situations where something is quickly and efficiently removed or eliminated. For example, "The police made a clean sweep of the protesters."
The meaning of "clean sweep" will depend on the context in which it is used.