Phrasal verb
clear up
To clear up means to make something understandable or to resolve confusion or a problem.
Meanings
to explain something so it becomes clear and easy to understand
to solve a problem or misunderstanding, or to settle an issue
to become sunny or less cloudy after cloudy or rainy weather
Definition
To clear up means to remove confusion by explaining something or by finding the correct information. It can also mean to solve a misunderstanding or settle a problem between people. In everyday speech, it’s often used when details become clearer or when an issue gets resolved.
Examples
- Could you clear up what you meant in the email?
- I need to clear up a few details before the meeting starts.
- She cleared up the misunderstanding with her neighbor.
- They cleared up the schedule confusion in a quick call.
- The sky cleared up after lunch, so we went for a walk.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "clear up" (make understandable or resolve) with "clean up" (make physically clean).
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.