What is wipe out?

Famous quotes containing the word wipe:

    So Lycidas sunk low, but mounted high
    Through the dear might of him that walk’d the waves,
    Where other groves and other streams along
    With nectar pure his oozy locks he laves
    And hears the unexpressive nuptial song
    In the bless’d kingdoms meek of joy and love.
    There entertain him all the saints above
    In solemn troops and sweet societies,
    That sing, and singing in their glory move,
    And wipe the tears for ever from his eyes.
    John Milton (1608–1674)

    I know. That’s what makes us tough. Rich fellows come up and they die. Their kids ain’t no good and they die out. But we keepa comin’. We’re the people that live. They can’t wipe us out. They can’t lick us. We’ll go on forever, Pa, cause we’re the people.
    Nunnally Johnson (1897–1977)