clear the decks

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!
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.
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.
See also: clear
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

clear the decks

 
1. Lit. [for everyone] leave the deck of a ship and prepare for action. (A naval expression urging seaman to stow gear and prepare for battle or other action.) An attack is coming. Clear the decks.
2. Fig. get out of the way; get out of this area. Clear the decks! Here comes the teacher. Clear the decks and take your seats.
See also: clear, deck
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

clear the decks

Prepare for action, as in I've finished all these memos and cleared the decks for your project, or Clear the decks-here comes the coach. This expression originated in naval warfare, when it described preparing for battle by removing or fastening down all loose objects on the ship's decks. [Second half of 1800s]
See also: clear, deck
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

clear the decks

mainly BRITISH or

clear the deck

AMERICAN
COMMON If someone clears the decks, they finish what they are doing so that they are ready to start doing something else. The British commanders had wanted to clear the decks for possible large-scale military operations. Clear the decks before you think of taking on any more responsibilities. Note: In the past, all unnecessary objects were cleared off the decks or floors of a warship before a battle, so that the crew could move around more easily.
See also: clear, deck
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

clear the decks

prepare for a particular event or goal by dealing beforehand with anything that might hinder progress.
In the literal sense, clear the decks meant to remove obstacles or unwanted items from the decks of a ship before a battle at sea.
See also: clear, deck
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

clear the decks, to

To prepare for action. This term comes from naval warfare. In the times of wooden sailing ships, a crew prepared for battle by fastening down or removing all loose objects on the decks, lest they get in the way or cause an injury. By the eighteenth century the term was being used to mean getting ready for any major undertaking by getting small details out of the way. See also batten down the hatches.
See also: clear
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • clear the deck
  • clear the deck(s)
  • abandon ship
  • break ship
  • be broad in the beam
  • when one's ship comes in
  • when ship comes in
  • when someone's ship comes in
  • when your ship comes in
  • when your ship/boat comes in
References in classic literature
The gunner had in the meantime orders to bring two guns, to bear fore and aft, out of the steerage, to clear the deck, and load them with musket-bullets, and small pieces of old iron, and what came next to hand.
Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe
Clear the decks for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.
Don't miss this classic kids' tale on stage
Shah told a meeting of party leaders here that steps will be taken to clear the decks for launching construction of the temple before the polls.
Ram temple construction to begin before polls: Shah
Let's face it, some of the football is quite good, so let's clear the decks from top to bottom and start again.
Everyone at football club must share responsibility; Get in touch - tell us what you think Email: letters@birminghammail.co.uk Twitter: @birminghammail Facebook: facebook.com/birminghammail Post: Birmingham Mail, 60 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2DJ
That said, it is time to clear the decks. The Tories are between a rock and a hard place (a pact with the DUP really).
Unite behind this leader; LETTERS
NEWCASTLE United are likely to clear the decks this summer and part company with Vurnon Anita AND Yoan Gouffran.
Anita and Gouffran look set to leave the Toon
"He'd clear the decks. I'm not saying he would be the greatest tactician but he would bring a different drive and a different energy to the club.
Strong manRoy Charlie's No.1pick
ARSENE WENGER will make a move for Porto's Colombian hot-shot Jackson Martinez - but only if he can clear the decks first.
Action on Jackson
Losing something good can clear the decks for even better options you wouldn't have considered while you still had a sure thing.
The power of failure
The losses are being seen as part of CEO Ross McEwan's efforts to clear the decks and draw a line under the matter, said an analyst at Jefferies international.
RBS set to record largest pre-tax loss in five years
The long-awaited nod by the Indian government to clear the decks for a Jet Airways-Etihad Airways deal will be a sweet tonic for the Indian aviation industry, which is experiencing a slump.
Etihad-Jeat deal carries mutual benefits
So we have to a debate that no one - other than UKIP and the Tories' swivel-eyed Eurosceptic brigade - really wants so we can clear the decks for the debates that really matter.
Who really wants this debate?
What Goes Round I was driving-in my car Not too fast - nor too far I passed the - Talbot factory Or indeed the place - where it used to be Soon came the area - where they made the Stag Closely followed by - the birth place of the Jag Then I passed the Dunlop - tired and sad Forgotten industry - this city once had Don't forget the Dyers - and the Watchmakers And all the movers - and the shakers Remember Mr Starley - and his bike This land had never - seen the like Could be it's time - to clear the decks Industry will return - commerce will be next A new dawn - possibly warm and sunny Greed will ensure - drive makes money.
Poets' corner
my view is that you would have had to clear the decks.
Tony Blair is a 'war criminal' shouts protester at Leveson
It may also take a big write-down on the value of assets as it looks to clear the decks for an incoming chief executive.
Thomas Cook 'set to close 200 agencies'