Clear the decks

verb

To prepare for an activity or event.

We need to clear the decks before our guests arrive.
Visual representation of "clear the decks" - To prepare for an activity or event.

Often appears as...

  • clear the decks for action
  • clear the decks for work

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To remove people or things which are preventing progress.

The manager decided to clear the decks and start fresh with a new team.
Visual representation of "clear the decks" - To remove people or things which are preventing progress.

Often appears as...

  • clear the decks for progress
  • clear the decks of obstacles

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb

To prepare for an activity or event.

We need to clear the decks before our guests arrive.
Visual representation of "clear the decks" - To prepare for an activity or event.

Often appears as...

  • clear the decks for action
  • clear the decks for work

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To remove people or things which are preventing progress.

The manager decided to clear the decks and start fresh with a new team.
Visual representation of "clear the decks" - To remove people or things which are preventing progress.

Often appears as...

  • clear the decks for progress
  • clear the decks of obstacles

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "clear the decks"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Action Preparation

Use 'clear the decks' when getting ready to focus on a specific task ahead.

Illustration for Action Preparation
Before we start painting, let's clear the decks by covering the furniture.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Nautical Origin

'Clear the decks' comes from old naval terms meaning to remove obstacles on a ship's deck.

Illustration for Nautical Origin
The phrase 'clear the decks' really brings to mind sailors preparing for battle.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphoric Use

It's often used metaphorically to describe organizing and simplifying any situation.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
Let's clear the decks at work by streamlining our meeting schedule.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Action Preparation

Use 'clear the decks' when getting ready to focus on a specific task ahead.

Illustration for Action Preparation
Before we start painting, let's clear the decks by covering the furniture.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Nautical Origin

'Clear the decks' comes from old naval terms meaning to remove obstacles on a ship's deck.

Illustration for Nautical Origin
The phrase 'clear the decks' really brings to mind sailors preparing for battle.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphoric Use

It's often used metaphorically to describe organizing and simplifying any situation.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
Let's clear the decks at work by streamlining our meeting schedule.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Action Preparation

Use 'clear the decks' when getting ready to focus on a specific task ahead.

Illustration for Action Preparation
Before we start painting, let's clear the decks by covering the furniture.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Nautical Origin

'Clear the decks' comes from old naval terms meaning to remove obstacles on a ship's deck.

Illustration for Nautical Origin
The phrase 'clear the decks' really brings to mind sailors preparing for battle.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphoric Use

It's often used metaphorically to describe organizing and simplifying any situation.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
Let's clear the decks at work by streamlining our meeting schedule.
Visual representation of the word "Clear the decks"

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