clear the deck

clear the deck(s)

1. Literally, of sailors, to prepare for something (such as a battle) by removing or securing objects on the deck of a ship. That enemy ship is getting too close—clear the deck! We can expect massive waves with this storm, so clear the decks, men! Clear the decks and man your posts! We're getting reports that enemy troops have been sighted in the distance.

2. By extension, to cease doing something in preparation for a more important task or happening. I know you're busy with that paperwork, but clear the decks—I've got a big client coming in this afternoon. The CEO is on his way down? OK, clear the decks and spread the word—he's our number one priority now. Thanks for working on that data entry project for me, but clear the deck because I finally got the fax we've been waiting on.

3. To flee hastily; to depart quickly Uh oh, here comes mean old Mr. Jerome. Clear the decks, everyone! The staff cleared the decks when they saw the boss asking for volunteers to work on the weekend. The partygoers cleared the decks as soon as they heard police sirens in the distance.

See also: clear

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

clear the ˈdeck(s)

get ready for some activity by first dealing with anything not essential to it: We had been doing some painting in the dining room, so we had to spend some time clearing the decks before our visitors came round in the evening.

See also: clear, deck

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

clear the deck

Informal

To prepare for action.

See also: clear, deck

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.