To wash away means for water to remove or carry someone or something to another place.
Understanding "Wash Away"
Based on the provided reference, the phrase "wash away" is primarily used in the context of water acting as a force to relocate things or people. It describes the action of water removing something from its original position and moving it elsewhere.
Specifically, the reference states:
(of water) to remove or carry somebody/something away to another place.
This highlights that the subject performing the action is water, and the action involves transportation to a different location.
Examples of Washing Away
The reference provides clear examples illustrating this definition:
- Part of the path had been washed away by the sea. (Here, the sea [water] removed part of the path).
- The rain had washed away the footprints. (Here, the rain [water] removed the footprints).
In both cases, water is the agent causing the removal and carrying away of the subject (path part, footprints).
Key Components of "Wash Away"
We can break down the core meaning as described in the reference:
| Component | Description | Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Remove or carry away | Water (sea, rain, etc.) |
| Subject Affected | Somebody or something | Path, Footprints, etc. |
| Result | Relocation to another place | Moved elsewhere |
This table summarizes the direct meaning provided by the reference.
Practical Context
While the reference focuses on the literal action of water, the concept implies a force strong enough to cause displacement. This can relate to natural phenomena like erosion by rivers or oceans, or even simple actions like rain dissolving and removing something from a surface.
The power of water to reshape landscapes and remove objects is central to the meaning of "wash away" in this context.
