ENGLISH
REFERENCE

clear cut

idiom
Meaning

Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.


Examples
SIMPLE

The rules for this game are clear cut.

CONTEXTUAL

The instructions were not clear cut, so we had to ask the manager for help.

COMPLEX

While the legal arguments were complex, the judge insisted that the moral obligations of the contract were entirely clear cut.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    clear blue water

    An obvious, unambiguous divide between the policies of two parties.

  2. 02

    clear off

    To pay off debts.

  3. 03

    clear one's lines

    To clear the ball away from a dangerous position.

  4. 04

    clear the air

    To assuage a hostile or uncomfortable situation.

  5. 05

    clear the table

    To remove plates, etc. from a table after a meal.

  6. 06

    crystal clear

    Completely clear (in various senses).

  7. 07

    cut a dash

    To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.

  8. 08

    cut a deal

    To reach a negotiated agreement.

© 2026 English Reference