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.
It is fair to argue it is unhealthy for English cricket to clear the decks after every failed Ashes expedition.
From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026
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
A barrage of major central bank decisions and a critical U.S. consumer price inflation reading this week likely clear the decks in what has been an "annus horribilis" for world markets.
From Reuters • Dec. 12, 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
I am rooming with an Irish family whose floor space is limited, so we all have shake-downs, and in the morning can clear the decks for action with no bedsteads in the way.
From An Anarchist Woman by Hapgood, Hutchins
