clear away
- 01 A2 Elementary
to remove things from a table or a room after you have finished using them.
to remove objects from a surface or area to restore order or prepare for a different activity.
Simple“After we finished dinner, the children helped clear away the dirty dishes.”
In context“The catering staff worked efficiently to clear away the remains of the banquet before the evening's keynote speech began.”
UsageThis phrasal verb is separable; you can say 'clear away the dishes' or 'clear the dishes away'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to go away or disappear, like clouds, mist, or a bad feeling.
to dissipate or vanish; used of weather conditions, physical obstructions, or abstract states like confusion.
Simple“The thick fog finally cleared away by noon, and the sun came out.”
In context“Any lingering doubts about the project's feasibility cleared away once the initial quarterly results were published.”
UsageUsed without a direct object.
Antonyms
contrast with 'clear out' (which implies emptying a container or room completely) and 'tidy up' (which is more general); 'clear away' specifically focuses on removing items from a surface.