clear the table
To remove plates, etc. from a table after a meal.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Please help me clear the table after dinner.”
“After we finished our meal, the waiter came over to clear the table.”
“Once the guests had departed, the host began to clear the table, reflecting on the evening's lively conversation.”
- 01
bring to the table
To contribute (something) to a joint effort or discussion.
- 02
clear blue water
An obvious, unambiguous divide between the policies of two parties.
- 03
clear cut
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
- 04
clear off
To pay off debts.
- 05
clear one's lines
To clear the ball away from a dangerous position.
- 06
clear the air
To assuage a hostile or uncomfortable situation.
- 07
crystal clear
Completely clear (in various senses).
- 08
fence the tables
To make a solemn address to those who present themselves to commune at the Lord's Supper, on the feelings appropriate to the service, in order to hinder, so far as possible, those who are unworthy from approaching the table.
Last updated August 10, 2026