# clear one's lines

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/clear-ones-lines
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To clear the ball away from a dangerous position.

## Examples

- The defender kicked the ball hard to clear his lines.
- The goalkeeper shouted at his teammates to clear their lines before the opposing striker could reach the ball.
- Under immense pressure from the attacking side, the captain desperately cleared his lines to prevent a certain goal.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.