clear off

clear off

1. proverb To remove something, often multiple objects, from a particular place or surface. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "clear" and "off." Just clear those books off the desk and stack them over here. Clear off the table and put these toys away—dinner's almost ready.

2. To leave a place. Often used as an imperative. You all clear off, or I'll call the cops! Will these brats ever clear off? They've been making a ruckus outside all afternoon! Hey, clear off! This is private property, and you lot are trespassing!

3. To become clear or sunny, as of the sky after a period of clouds or fog. It sure became a beautiful, sunny day once the fog cleared off! A: "Ugh, rain again?" B: "Yeah, and I don't think things are going to clear off until tomorrow." Don't be discouraged by the gray skies. They'll clear off once the marine layer burns off.

See also: clear, off

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

clear something off something

 and clear something off

to take something off something. Please clear the dishes off the table. I'll clear off the dishes.

See also: clear, off

clear off (of some place)

to depart; to get off someone's property. Clear off my property! Clear off, do you hear?

See also: clear, off

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

clear off

1. See clear out, def. 1.

2. Become clear after cloudiness, fog, etc., as in I hope this fog clears off before morning. This phrase, first recorded in 1816, is heard less often today, clear alone often sufficing ( I hope the fog clears). Also see clear up.

See also: clear, off

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

clear off

v.

1. To remove something that is covering some area: She cleared off the papers that were cluttering her desk. He cleared the dirt off the windowsill.

2. To clean some area by removing items that are there: He cleared off the worktable to make room for the new equipment. She cleared the counter off and wiped it with a sponge.

See also: clear, off

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.