clear the decks

Idioms  

1. Prepare for action, as in I've finished all these memos and cleared the decks for your project, or Clear the decks—here comes the coach. This expression originated in naval warfare, when it described preparing for battle by removing or fastening down all loose objects on the ship's decks. [Second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

clear the decks

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

It’s time to clear the decks of a few questions I’ve received recently, but first I want to share some alarming new information about melatonin gummies.

From Seattle Times ● May 15, 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

The aim is to clear the decks so that the presidents and prime ministers who arrive in Glasgow in November will be able to concentrate on a few major political decisions.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2021

To my surprise, and the second mate's open-mouthed astonishment, the skipper, who was highly elated with his morning's trading, told the mate to clear the decks, and get ready to heave up.

From "Pig-Headed" Sailor Men From "The Strange Adventure Of James Shervinton and Other Stories" - 1902 by Becke, Louis