# the coast is clear

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-coast-is-clear
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

There is no danger; one can freely pass through a region without risk of discovery.

## Examples

- Wait until the coast is clear before you cross the street.
- 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.

## Origin

Compare Spanish no hay moros en la costa. (disputed)

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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.