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Glite Dictionary
to flush after

to flush after

1 2.8
To make the toilet water run to clean it after use
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : tirar de la cadena
  • The sign said, "Please flush after using."

Examples

  • Don't forget to flush after you use the restroom.

  • He was reminded to flush after using the toilet to avoid unpleasant odors.

  • It is important to flush after using the toilet to maintain hygiene.

Synonyms

to flush
vsto flush after
168 2.7

To clean something by running water through it

applies this action specifically to a bathroom fixture after use
to flush the loo
vsto flush after
  • UK
6.2

To make the toilet water move to carry away waste

specifies performing the action specifically after using the fixture rather than general rinsing

Surface Forms

flush after infinitive
flushed after past
flushed after past participle
flushing after present participle
flushes after third person singular

Morphology

flush + after

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'flush' (to clear or clean with water) combined with 'after' (subsequently), yielding the simple instruction 'flush afterwards' as in 'flush after using the toilet'. This is a common, literal verb + temporal adverb pattern that is cross-linguistically straightforward, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily understand it.

Etymology

The phrasal verb flush after comes from the simple image of pulling a handle so flush, a rush of water, happens after you use the toilet and washes everything away. So, flush after means 'send water through the toilet to clean it after using it'.