Phrasal verb
clear up
Meanings
to explain something so it becomes clear and easy to understand
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to solve a problem or misunderstanding, or to settle an issue
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to become sunny or less cloudy after cloudy or rainy weather
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Definition
To clear up means to make something understandable or to resolve confusion or a problem.
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.