clear out
Related to clear out: snap off, looking after, starting off
clear out
1. To remove things from a space or area. A noun or pronoun can be used between "clear" and "out." The kids always seem to relish clearing out their desks at the end of the school year. We need to clear some of this junk out of the garage so that I can actually put my car in it!
2. To leave a place, perhaps quickly. The staff cleared out when they saw the boss asking for volunteers to work on the weekend. Clear out, everyone. We are now closed.
3. To impel or force to leave a place. A noun or pronoun can be used between "clear" and "out." If we call the cops, they'll clear out that raucous house party immediately. The fire alarm cleared the building out in a hurry.
4. To become or cause to become empty, as of a place or area. A noun or pronoun can be used between "clear" and "out." Let's wait to leave until the parking lot has cleared out more.
See also: clear, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
clear out (of some place)
to get out of some place. Will you all clear out of here? Please clear out!
See also: clear, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
clear out
1. Also, clear away or off . Remove the contents, take something or someone away, as in I'll clear out this closet so you can use it, or Let me clear away these things, or Please clear off the table. The first phrase dates from the mid-1600s, the second from the mid-1700s, and the third from the early 1700s. Sometimes away and out are omitted, as in Let me clear these things, or Please clear the table. Also see clean up, def. 1.
2. Depart suddenly or run away, as in We cleared out before our landlord could stop us. [Early 1800s]
3. Drive or force out, as in The police cleared out the restaurant in no time. [Mid-1800s]
See also: clear, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
clear out
v.
1. To empty something of its contents or occupants: We cleared the living room out and turned it into a dance floor. Emergency crews cleared out the village ahead of the hurricane.
2. To remove some contents or occupants from a container or region: I opened up the old cabin and cleared the cobwebs out with a broom. We finally cleared out the junk in the attic.
3. To become free of occupants: The theater cleared out when the show ended.
4. To leave a place, usually quickly: The embassy advised us to clear out before the war started.
See also: clear, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
clear out
in. to leave; to depart. The boss gave me till next week to clear out. I’m fired—canned.
See also: clear, out
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- angle
- angling
- not do (someone or oneself) any favors
- involve with
- involve with (someone or something)
- involved with
- arch over
- arrange for
- arrange for some time
- arrange some music for