English Reference

Phrasal verb

clear away

Definitions

01to tidy up

A2 · Elementary

phr.v. to remove things from a table or a room after you have finished using them.

phr.v. to remove objects from a surface or area to restore order or prepare for a different activity.

“After we finished dinner, the children helped clear away the dirty dishes.”

“The catering staff worked efficiently to clear away the remains of the banquet before the evening's keynote speech began.”

Usage

This phrasal verb is separable; you can say 'clear away the dishes' or 'clear the dishes away'.

Synonyms

tidyclean upremove

Antonyms

cluttermess up

02to disappear

B1 · Intermediate

phr.v. to go away or disappear, like clouds, mist, or a bad feeling.

phr.v. to dissipate or vanish; used of weather conditions, physical obstructions, or abstract states like confusion.

“The thick fog finally cleared away by noon, and the sun came out.”

“Any lingering doubts about the project's feasibility cleared away once the initial quarterly results were published.”

Usage

Used without a direct object.

Synonyms

vanishdissipatedisperse

Antonyms

gatheraccumulate

Teaching tip

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.

Phrasal verb

Particles

away

Separability

optional

Pattern

clear (+ object) + away

Synonyms

removetidyclean up

Antonyms

mess upclutterleave out

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/clear-away
English Reference