In fencing, a sweep is a defensive maneuver utilised when an opponent makes a low attack. You rotate your wrist down so that the [blade points towards the floor and sweep the opponent's blade to your outside line and past you, leaving him exposed. You should immediately follow this maneuver by snapping your blade back up and riposting. More commonly used in epée than foil, since epée has no right-of-way rules and epéeists have to actually PREVENT the blade from touching them.