Phrasal verb
clear away
Meanings
To remove items from a place, especially to tidy up or make space.
To disappear (of clouds, fog, or smoke), leaving the air or sky clear.
Definition
To remove things from a place so it becomes tidy or empty.
To clear away means to remove objects that are in the way so an area is clean, tidy, or ready for something else. People often clear away plates after a meal or clear away clutter from a room. It can also describe clouds or fog disappearing so the sky becomes clear.
Examples
- I’ll clear away the dishes while you make coffee.
- Could you clear away your toys before dinner?
- She cleared away the papers to make room for her laptop.
- They cleared away the fallen branches from the path.
- By noon, the fog had cleared away and the mountains appeared.
Common mistake
Learners often say "clear out" when they only mean tidying a small area; "clear away" fits better for removing items from a surface or space.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.