wipe

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 拭 has 9 strokes and the on-reading しょく. 拭く (ふく) and 拭う (ぬぐう) describe wiping something or wiping it away.
• Basic usage: 拭く is used for wiping water or a mirror; 拭う can describe wiping away sweat or dispelling mistrust.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The tool for wiping and figuratively dispelling a feeling
  • 水を布で拭いた means wiped up water with a cloth. 鏡を乾いた紙で拭く means to wipe a mirror with dry paper, with で marking the tool.
  • 額の汗を布で拭った means wiped sweat from one's forehead with a cloth. 不信感を拭うことは難しい means that dispelling mistrust is difficult, here with only one apology.