clear the decks

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The EIA, Abbey declared, “must clear the decks of unfinished projects,” “recruit and retain the best talent” and “develop the most powerful analytical capabilities.”

From Salon • May 6, 2025

He claimed he told Mr Grigson to "clear the decks of all taint", after looking at MGN for a possible investment.

From BBC • May 16, 2023

UBS analysts said costs would be a focus for Deutsche's fourth-quarter earnings, noting that the bank has said it wants to "clear the decks of transformation charges and other costs" this year.

From Reuters • Jan. 24, 2022

Tottenham would like to clear the decks, too, but it has been unable to find a buyer for Serge Aurier, Moussa Sissoko or Harry Winks.

From New York Times • Aug. 7, 2021

To prepare for action.—To clear away for this or that, is to get obstructions out of the way.—To clear the decks.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir