expression, godan verb (-u)
disappear completely; vanish without a trace
Literally 'to sweep the ground away'; used for complete disappearance, often of people or things, leaving nothing behind.
犯人は現場から地を払うように消えた。
The culprit vanished from the scene as if swept away.
その噂はすぐに地を払った。
The rumor disappeared completely in no time.