Phrasal verb
clear out
Meanings
To remove items from a place so it becomes empty, organized, or ready for a new use.
To leave a place, or to make people leave a place, often quickly.
Definition
To clear out means to remove everything from a place so it becomes empty and tidy.
To clear out usually means to take unwanted or unnecessary things out of a room, drawer, or building. People often clear out a space to clean it, organize it, or prepare for moving. It can also mean to make people leave a place quickly.
Examples
- I need to clear out my closet before the move.
- You should clear out your inbox so you can find important messages faster.
- She cleared out her desk on her last day at the office.
- They were told to clear out of the hallway so the workers could pass.
- We cleared out the pantry and donated the unopened food.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "clear off" when they mean removing things; use "clear out" for emptying a space or leaving quickly.
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.