Translation guide
The English phrase "clean sweep" has two main uses: a complete victory (winning everything) and a thorough removal or change (getting rid of everything old). This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To describe winning all available prizes, matches, or positions in a competition or election.
Literally 'complete conquest/domination'. Commonly used in sports and competitions when a team or individual wins all titles or events.
そのチームは今シーズン完全制覇を達成した。
That team achieved a clean sweep this season.
To describe a situation where everything old or unwanted is removed, replaced, or changed completely.
Means 'to renew completely' or 'to make a clean sweep'. Used for reforming systems, replacing staff, or renovating.
新社長は経営陣を一新した。
The new president made a clean sweep of the management team.
Do not translate "clean sweep" literally as きれいな掃除 (kirei na souji) or 掃き掃除 (haki souji). Those mean physical cleaning, not the idiomatic meanings above.
一新 (isshin) focuses on renewal and replacement with something new, while 一掃 (issou) focuses on elimination and removal of something bad. Choose based on whether the emphasis is on bringing in the new or getting rid of the old.
Means 'winning all matches/games'. Used in tournaments or leagues when a competitor wins every single match.
彼は大会で全勝し、優勝した。
He made a clean sweep at the tournament, winning every match.
Means 'monopoly' or 'exclusive possession'. Used when one entity takes all the top spots, awards, or market share.
その映画は賞を独占した。
The movie made a clean sweep of the awards.
Literally 'licking everything up'. A vivid expression meaning to sweep all prizes or victories, often used in sports and entertainment news.
あの選手が金メダルを総なめにした。
That athlete made a clean sweep of the gold medals.
Similar to 完全制覇 but slightly less common. Used in contexts like winning all stages of a race or all titles in a series.
彼はツアー全制覇を果たした。
He achieved a clean sweep of the tour.
We made a clean sweep of the interior and reopened the store.
Means 'to sweep away' or 'to eliminate completely'. Used for removing corruption, outdated practices, or unwanted elements.
政府は汚職を一掃すると約束した。
The government promised to make a clean sweep of corruption.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to replace entirely' or 'to swap out everything'. Implies a thorough, sometimes drastic change.
スタッフをごっそり入れ替えた。
We made a clean sweep of the staff.
Literally 'to pull out by the roots'. Means to eradicate or remove completely, often used for weeds, problems, or unwanted elements.
悪い習慣を根こそぎにした。
I made a clean sweep of my bad habits.