# clear up

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clear-up
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to explain or solve

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

to solve a problem or explain something so there is no more confusion.

For teachers: to resolve a misunderstanding or clarify a confusing situation.

- I hope this meeting will clear up any confusion about the new rules.
- The management team issued a formal statement to clear up the misconceptions regarding the proposed restructuring plan.

Usage: This sense is transitive and requires an object like 'confusion', 'mystery', or 'misunderstanding'.

### 2. to tidy up

phrasal verb · CEFR B1 · British English

to make a place neat by putting things away or cleaning.

For teachers: to make a place tidy by removing unwanted items or organising a mess.

- Could you help me clear up the kitchen after we finish dinner?
- The volunteers spent the entire afternoon clearing up the park after the music festival had concluded.

Usage: In British English, this is often used where American speakers might prefer 'clean up'.

### 3. weather improving

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

when clouds or rain go away and the weather becomes better.

For teachers: of weather or the sky: to become bright, calm, or free of clouds and rain.

- It's raining now, but the forecast says it should clear up by noon.
- Although the morning was marred by heavy fog, the sky began to clear up just as the outdoor ceremony was scheduled to begin.

Usage: This sense is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

### 4. medical recovery

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

when an illness or a skin problem goes away.

For teachers: to disappear or heal, typically in reference to a minor illness, infection, or skin condition.

- The doctor said my cough should clear up in a few days with some rest.
- The rash began to clear up almost immediately after she started applying the prescribed ointment twice a day.

Usage: Usually intransitive when referring to the condition itself.

## Examples

- I hope the weather clears up before our picnic.
- We need to have a meeting to clear up any confusion about the new project rules.
- The doctor prescribed an ointment that should clear up the infection within a few days, provided the patient follows the application schedule.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: this is a polysemous phrasal verb; use a 'weather vs. problem' matching activity to help students distinguish between the intransitive and transitive uses.

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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.