clear out
B1Informal
Definition
Meaning
to remove things from a space to make it tidy or empty.
To leave a place quickly and often permanently; to sell goods cheaply to get rid of them.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive phrasal verb requiring an object (e.g., clear out the garage). Can be used intransitively to mean 'to leave' (e.g., They cleared out). The noun form 'clear-out' refers to the act of tidying by removing items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English, especially as a noun ('have a clear-out'). In American English, 'clean out' is often preferred for the 'tidy/empty' meaning, though 'clear out' is understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'clear out' as a command ('Clear out!') is a forceful, informal way to tell someone to leave.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English. In US English, the 'leave quickly' sense is more prominent than the 'tidy' sense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP clear out NP (transitive)NP clear out (intransitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Clear out the cobwebs (to refresh one's mind)”
- “Clear out your locker (to leave a place, often a job, for good)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new manager decided to clear out the old filing system.
Academic
The archaeologist had to clear out centuries of debris before reaching the original floor.
Everyday
I need to clear out my wardrobe to make space for new clothes.
Technical
The command will clear out the cache memory.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We should clear out the loft before winter.
- The shop is clearing out last season's stock.
- The landlord told the squatters to clear out.
American English
- I cleared out my old college textbooks.
- The manager cleared out the deadwood in the department.
- When the police arrived, the crowd cleared out fast.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please clear out your school bag.
- He cleared out the old toys.
- We need to clear out the garage this weekend.
- The shop is clearing out its summer clothes.
- After the tenants cleared out, the flat was in a terrible state.
- The new CEO initiated a clear-out of middle management.
- The decision to clear out the entire archive was met with considerable controversy.
- Investors cleared out of the market as soon as the news broke.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of making a room CLEAR by taking things OUT.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE IS A CONTAINER; EMPTYING A CONTAINER IS FREEING/ORGANISING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'очищать' (to clean/purify) as it implies scrubbing, not removing items.
- The Russian verb 'выбрасывать' (to throw out) captures the 'discarding' part but not the full process of tidying a space.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'clear' without 'out' for the specific meaning of emptying (e.g., 'I cleared the garage' is ambiguous).
- Confusing 'clear up' (tidy a mess) with 'clear out' (remove items).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'clear out' to mean 'leave quickly'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Clear out' focuses on removing items to empty or tidy a space. 'Clean out' can mean the same but strongly implies subsequent cleaning/washing (e.g., clean out a fridge). 'Clean out' is also common for emptying bank accounts.
Yes, especially in British English. 'I had a big clear-out at the weekend' means you spent time tidying by removing unwanted items.
It is informal. In formal writing, synonyms like 'empty', 'remove the contents of', or 'evacuate' are preferred.
No, not always. It implies removing items from a space. The items could be thrown away, sold, donated, or simply moved to another location.
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