clear away
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
to remove objects or things that are not wanted from a surface or place to make it tidy
To make something disappear, to dissipate, or to remove obstacles; also used metaphorically for removing abstract things like doubts
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Phrasal verb with both literal (physical removal) and figurative uses. Implies making space or removing clutter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it similarly, but British English may have slightly higher frequency in domestic contexts
Connotations
Neutral in both, though can imply duty/chore in domestic settings
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
clear away + objectclear + object + awayVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “clear the decks (related naval metaphor)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically for removing obstacles to progress
Academic
Rare in formal writing; more common in spoken discourse
Everyday
Very common in domestic and cleaning contexts
Technical
Used in weather forecasting (fog/mist clearing away)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you clear away the tea things?
- The fog should clear away by midday
American English
- Please clear away the dinner plates
- We need to clear away these fallen branches
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Clear away your toys after playing
- Mum cleared away the breakfast dishes
- We should clear away these boxes before the guests arrive
- The waitstaff cleared away the empty glasses
- Volunteers helped clear away the debris after the storm
- The morning mist gradually cleared away
- The new evidence helped clear away any remaining doubts about his innocence
- We must clear away bureaucratic obstacles to innovation
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine clearing AWAY items to make them go AWAY from your space
Conceptual Metaphor
OBSTACLES ARE BLOCKAGES THAT NEED REMOVAL
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'чисто уходить' – incorrect literal translation
- Not equivalent to 'убирать' in all contexts – more specific
Common Mistakes
- Using 'clear off' instead (which means to leave quickly)
- Omitting 'away' when needed for the phrasal meaning
Practice
Quiz
Which situation BEST illustrates 'clear away'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both 'clear away the dishes' and 'clear the dishes away' are correct.
'Clear away' focuses on removing items, while 'clear up' emphasizes solving problems or making things tidy generally.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'clear away doubts').
Neutral register – acceptable in both casual and semi-formal contexts.