Wait until the coast is clear before you cross the street.
the coast is clear
idiomThere is no danger; one can freely pass through a region without risk of discovery.
Origin
disputed originCompare Spanish no hay moros en la costa.
We waited in the hallway until the coast was clear so we could surprise our friend.
Once the security guard turned the corner, she signaled that the coast was clear for them to enter the restricted archive.
- 01
clear blue water
An obvious, unambiguous divide between the policies of two parties.
- 02
clear cut
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
- 03
clear off
To pay off debts.
- 04
clear one's lines
To clear the ball away from a dangerous position.
- 05
clear the air
To assuage a hostile or uncomfortable situation.
- 06
clear the table
To remove plates, etc. from a table after a meal.
- 07
crystal clear
Completely clear (in various senses).
- 08
make oneself clear
To have one's meaning fully understood.