clear (redirected from clearing the decks)

be as clear as crystal

to be very easy to see or understand. 'Are the instructions easy to understand?' 'Yes, clear as crystal.'

See also: crystal

be as clear as mud (humorous)

to be impossible to understand. 'Does that make sense?' 'Yes, it's as clear as mud.'

See also: mud

be as clear/plain as day

to be obvious or easy to see. She's in love with him - it's as plain as day.

See also: day, plain

be in the clear

to not be guilty of a crime, or not be responsible for a mistake. Video evidence proved that the boys were in the clear.

clear someone's name

to prove that someone is not guilty of something. He was convicted of drug-smuggling four years ago and has been trying to clear his name ever since.

See also: name

clear the air

if an argument or discussion clears the air, it causes bad feelings between people to disappear. The meeting didn't solve anything, but at least it cleared the air.

See also: air

clear the decks (informal)

to finish dealing with what you are doing so that you can start to do something more important. His company is clearing the decks for major new investment in the Far East.

See also: deck

clear-cut

clear and certain, so that there is no doubt about something. She has clear-cut evidence that the company cheated her. The link between alcohol and crime is clear-cut.

clear-eyed (mainly American)

a clear-eyed person understanding of a situation is correct. John's clear-eyed assessment of the company's problems saved it from bankruptcy. (always before noun)

the coast is clear

if the coast is clear, you can do something or go somewhere because there is no one near who might see or hear you. You can come out now, the coast is clear. I waited outside the house until the coast was clear, then softly tapped on the window.

See also: coast

crystal clear

be as clear as crystal - to be very easy to see or understand. She made it crystal clear that she was only helping us because she had to.

See also: crystal

leave the field clear for someone

to stop competing with someone, which gives them a better chance of achieving success. John decided not to apply for the job, which left the field clear for Emma.

See also: field, leave

loud and clear

if an idea is expressed loud and clear, it is expressed very clearly in a way that is easy to understand. In all this research, one message comes through loud and clear: excessive exposure to sun causes skin cancer.

See also: loud

out of the blue (British, American & Australian, American & Australian)

if something happens out of the blue, it happens suddenly and you are not expecting it. Then one day, completely out of the blue, I had a letter from her. The invasion came out of a clear blue sky and caught everyone off guard.

See also: blue

steer clear of something/someone

to avoid something or someone because they are dangerous or bad for you. I'd steer clear of Joe if I were you - he'll only cause trouble. I try to steer clear of heavy meals these days.

See also: steer

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(as) clear as mud

very difficult to understand. His traffic directions were as clear as mud.

Usage notes: used to humorously explain that there was a problem

(as) plain as day

See also: mud

clear your name

to prove you are not guilty of something. Mitch said the charges were completely untrue and promised he would clear his name.

See also: name

clear out

to leave a place, esp. quickly. We have to clear out of here soon to get to the airport on time, but you can stay around.

clear the air

1. to explain something that someone disagreed with or did not understand. To help clear the air, Mills will meet with all employees to discuss the new contract.

2. to remove any doubt about something that happened. An investigation may be needed to uncover the facts and clear the air.

See also: air

clear the decks

to finish what you are doing in order to do something more important. His company is clearing the decks to begin work on a major new product.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of clear the decks (= prepare a ship to fight by putting away everything that is not necessary)

See also: deck

clear the way (for someone/something)

to make it possible or easier for someone or something to follow. Approval of the financing helped clear the way for the new construction. Our grandmothers who demanded the vote cleared the way for today's women to become politicians, professionals, and judges.

See also: way

clear your throat

to give a small cough. She cleared her throat before she began to speak. I wanted to say something, so I cleared my throat to get everyone's attention.

See also: throat

the coast is clear

1. there is no danger of being seen. We had to wait until the coast was clear to slip out of the building, which was being watched.

2. there is no danger of anything more happening, esp. trouble. Now that the killer has been arrested, the coast is clear and people can go out without fear.

See also: coast

free and clear

without debt or legal claims. He owns a home in Mexico free and clear.

Usage notes: usually said about houses and property

See also: free

in the clear

1. not guilty of a crime. The government investigated charges against the company and decided it was in the clear.

2. not experiencing something bad. Just when I thought I was in the clear, I came down with the flu.

loud and clear

in a way that is easy to understand. Major airlines are saying loud and clear that passengers are limited to two carry-on items.

Usage notes: often used to say that a message is understood: Our message came through loud and clear in that ad.

Etymology: based on the literal use of loud and clear to describe an easily understood radio or telephone communication

See also: loud

out of a clear blue skySee: out of the blue

See also: blue, sky

out of the blue

happening suddenly and unexpectedly. Then one day, completely out of the blue, I had a letter from her. The attack came out of a clear blue sky.

out of thin air

See also: blue

steer clear (of someone/something)

to avoid someone or something. I'd steer clear of Joe if I were you — he's in a terrible mood. They invited me to comment on the proposals, but I think I would rather steer clear.

Usage notes: usually the person or thing you avoid is dangerous or likely to cause trouble

See also: steer