all clear

American  

noun

1. the signal that an air raid or other danger is over.

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all clear British  

noun

1. a signal, usually a siren, indicating that some danger, such as an air raid, is over

2. an indication that obstacles are no longer present; permission to proceed

   he received the all clear on the plan

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Etymology

Origin of all clear

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

It was only after another half-hour that we dared give the all clear to nine cramped and shaky people.

From Literature

But it isn’t at all clear whether they would endorse one in a national vote, he added.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then it all clears and she says, ‘Liv!’ as if she’s just remembered who I am.

From Literature

But it’s not at all clear that the present is any improvement.

From The Wall Street Journal

To be clear, there hasn’t been an all clear sign in markets yet.

From Barron's

Related Words

• green light