English idiom

clear the decks

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to remove distractions or unfinished tasks so you are ready for action

Word picture

A ship's open decks are pictured being cleared of obstacles before activity begins.

Example

“We cleared the decks by finishing routine tasks before the product launch.”

Dictionary details

Component words

clear

Tags

work
effort

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

all in a day's work

a task treated as routine because it belongs to someone's normal duties

donkey work

the tiring, repetitive, and often unappreciated work that supports a larger task

fill someone's shoes

to replace someone in a role and meet the demands they handled

make a go of

to turn an undertaking into a lasting success

make light work of

to handle a demanding task quickly and effortlessly

mean business

to show serious determination to accomplish a goal

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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