clean house
Meaning
To make a thorough change by removing unwanted people/things; to reorganize completely (often in jobs/politics).
Origin
From the literal idea of thoroughly cleaning a house; by the early 20th century it was used figuratively for purging corruption or clearing out staff to reform an organization.
Notes
Often used about organizations (management change, purges, anti-corruption). It can sound harsh (firing people/cleaning out). For literal cleaning, usually say “clean the house.”
Examples
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After the scandal, the new CEO promised to clean house and rebuild trust.
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When the team kept missing deadlines, the manager decided it was time to clean house.
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The board voted to clean house and replace several senior executives.
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With the new administration, they began to clean house in the agency and tighten oversight.
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She cleaned house at the office by setting new rules and letting go of anyone who wouldn’t follow them.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “clean house,” “cleaned house,” “is cleaning house.” Common patterns: “clean house at [company/department],” “clean house and start over.” Also appears as “a clean-house effort.” Distinguish from literal “clean the house.”
Synonyms
- clean out
- purge
- sweep out
- root out
- shake up
- reorganize
Antonyms
- keep everyone on
- maintain the status quo
- hold onto