ENGLISH
REFERENCE

crystal clear

idiom
Meaning

Completely clear (in various senses).


Origin

disputed origin

From Middle English cristal cleer. Emphatic form of clear in visual and metaphorical “understandable” senses. Compare clear as a bell (“very clear (of sound)”).

Examples
SIMPLE

The instructions for the project are crystal clear.

CONTEXTUAL

After the manager explained the new policy, the expectations for the team were crystal clear.

COMPLEX

Despite the complexity of the legal argument, the judge made his final ruling crystal clear to everyone in the courtroom.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    clear blue water

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

  2. 02

    clear cut

    Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.

  3. 03

    clear off

    To pay off debts.

  4. 04

    clear one's lines

    To clear the ball away from a dangerous position.

  5. 05

    clear the air

    To assuage a hostile or uncomfortable situation.

  6. 06

    clear the table

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

  7. 07

    crystal dick

    Erectile dysfunction caused by methamphetamine use or other drug use.

  8. 08

    make oneself clear

    To have one's meaning fully understood.

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