wipe it away

USAGE SUMMARY

"wipe it away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of removing or erasing something, either physically or metaphorically. Example: She reached for a tissue and used it to wipe away the tears streaming down her face. In this sentence, "wipe away" is used in a literal sense to describe the action of removing tears from one's face. Another example: The new technology aims to wipe away the barriers between different cultures and promote global understanding. In this sentence, "wipe away" is used metaphorically to describe the process of breaking down barriers and promoting understanding between cultures.

✓ Grammatically correct

Cleaning

Emotional coping

Figurative removal

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'd wipe it away, only to have it come back.

The New York Times

"They want to wipe it away and move on," Luby says.

The New York Times - Magazine

She could be forgiven for being too tired to wipe it away.

The New York Times - Sports

"As an art dealer, you should spit on history, wipe it away and find something new," Mr. Egan said.

The New York Times

A few minutes later, sweat trickled down his right temple, and he moved his hand instinctively to wipe it away.

The New Yorker

"Within a few seconds of applying the bleach the defendant states that she realised what she had done and tried to wipe it away.

Independent

via GIPHY Bouton says sweat may appear on the forehead, cheeks, or back of the neck, and you'll likely observe the person try to wipe it away.

Independent

If a milky white film remains, wipe it away using a squeegee or glass cleaner and paper towels, rags or a microfiber cloth.

The New York Times

"You've got to wipe it away," Chuck Knoblauch said, referring to the late-season collapse, before adding, "This is not something you can just flip on".

The New York Times - Sports

The fish is soft (which is odd, since monkfish is the most firm of white fish) and tastes zestily gorgeous on oily sourdough with a flake of pickled cauliflower on top – a rustic treat in which the oil runs down your chin, and you wipe it away with the back of your hand like an Alentejo peasant.

Independent

Her voice slurred a little but she rode over it as if it were a shred of tobacco on her tongue, as if she could pause and wipe it away with a finger …" Elsewhere in the Observer interview, Salter gave his appraisal of William Faulkner: "He's not a very good writer, but he's a great writer".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wipe it away" when you want to emphasize the act of removing something quickly and efficiently, whether it's a physical substance or an emotional burden.

Common error

While versatile, "wipe it away" can sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "eliminate" or "remove" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wipe it away" functions primarily as a transitive phrasal verb. It describes an action (wiping) directed at an object (it) with the purpose of removing or erasing it. This is consistent with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

48%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wipe it away" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that signifies the act of removing or erasing something, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood. While appropriate for most contexts, including news and general writing, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "eliminate" or "remove" in academic or professional settings. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage will enhance clarity and precision in writing. From the multiple examples listed, the phrase can be found in news outlets and in wiki how websites.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erase it

Focuses on complete removal, as if deleting something written.

remove it

A more general term for taking something away.

clean it off

Specifically implies removing dirt or a stain from a surface.

obliterate it

Suggests complete destruction or disappearance.

eliminate it

Implies getting rid of something unwanted or unnecessary.

get rid of it

An informal way of saying to discard or eliminate something.

brush it off

Suggests dismissing something, often an issue or concern.

wash it off

Implies cleaning something with water or another liquid.

rub it out

Implies using friction to remove something.

expunge it

Focuses on erasing or removing something completely, often from a record.

FAQs

How can I use "wipe it away" in a sentence?

You can use "wipe it away" to describe physically removing something, such as "She used a cloth to wipe the spill away". It can also be used metaphorically, like "He tried to wipe away the bad memories".

What can I say instead of "wipe it away"?

You can use alternatives like "erase it", "remove it", or "eliminate it" depending on the specific context.

Is "wipe it away" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "wipe it away" leans towards informal usage. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "eliminate it" or "erase it".

When should I use "wipe it away" versus "brush it off"?

"Wipe it away" suggests a thorough removal, while "brush it off" implies a dismissal or হালকা rejection. Use "wipe it away" when you want to emphasize the act of getting rid of something completely.