What does “Clear the decks” mean?
"Clear the decks" means to remove any obstacles or unnecessary items in order to prepare for a new task or project.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Before starting the renovation, we need to clear the decks and remove all the furniture.
Example
In order to focus on studying for exams, I decided to clear the decks and delete all social media apps from my phone.
Example
The team had a meeting to discuss the upcoming project and agreed to clear the decks by finishing all pending tasks
Is “Clear the decks” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Clear the decks” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Clear the decks” effectively in context?
You can use "Clear the Decks" to emphasize the need to remove any obstacles or unnecessary items in order to prepare for a new task or project. Here are three distinct situations where you can effectively use this phrase:
- 1Home Renovation
Before starting the renovation, we need to clear the decks and remove all the furniture.
- 2Studying
In order to focus on studying for exams, I decided to clear the decks and delete all social media apps from my phone.
- 3Work Project
The team had a meeting to discuss the upcoming project and agreed to clear the decks by finishing all pending tasks.
Similar phrases to “Clear the decks”:
Tidy up
To clean and organize a space or situation
Example
Before guests arrived, they tidied up the house and made sure everything was in order.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Clear the decks” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Clear the Decks" comes from naval terminology. Before a battle, sailors would clear the decks by removing any obstacles or unnecessary items to ensure a clear and open space for combat. This phrase has since been adopted into everyday language to mean preparing for a new task or project by removing any obstacles or unnecessary items.
Is “Clear the decks” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Clear the Decks" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to convey the idea of preparing for a new task or project by removing any obstacles or unnecessary items.
What tone does “Clear the decks” have?
"Clear the Decks" conveys a tone of readiness and preparation. It suggests taking proactive steps to create a clear and focused environment for a new endeavor.
Can “Clear the decks” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Clear the Decks" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of preparing for a new task or project. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Before starting the project, we need to clear the decks and organize our resources.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "clear the decks"!' to imply readiness for a new task or project.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- set the stage
- streamline
- prepare the way
- make ready
- get rid of clutter
Antonyms
- clutter the decks
- leave things as they are
- ignore the mess
- neglect preparation
