do the washing-up — wash the dishes
expressionB1IELTS 4+neutralcommon
To wash the dirty dishes, pans and cutlery after a meal.
Pattern: do the washing-up / I'll do the washing-up
In use
- You cooked, so I'll do the washing-up.after dinner
- A: Can you give me a hand in the kitchen?
B: Sure, I'll do the washing-up.sharing chores
Common mistake
✗ I will wash up the dishes for clean.
✓ I'll do the washing-up.
The set phrase is 'do the washing-up'; you don't add 'the dishes' or 'for clean'.
Don't confuse it
'The washing-up' (noun) is the dirty dishes; 'do the washing' (no -up) means laundry.