clear out

British  

verb

1. informal (intr) to go away: often used imperatively

2. (tr) to remove and sort the contents of (a room, container, etc)

3. slang (tr) to leave (someone) with no money

4. slang (tr) to exhaust (stocks, goods, etc) completely

5. (tr) to get rid of (employees, players, etc, that are no longer required)

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noun

1. the act or an instance of clearing out

clear out Idioms  

1. Also, . Remove the contents, take something or someone away, as in I'll clear out this closet so you can use it , or Let me clear away these things , or Please clear off the table . The first phrase dates from the mid-1600s, the second from the mid-1700s, and the third from the early 1700s. Sometimes away and out are omitted, as in Let me clear these things , or Please clear the table . Also see clean up , def. 1.

2. Depart suddenly or run away, as in We cleared out before our landlord could stop us . [Early 1800s]

3. Drive or force out, as in The police cleared out the restaurant in no time . [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

Insoluble fiber — found in foods like whole wheat and wheat bran — helps clear out the gut, and is not digested.

From MarketWatch • May 10, 2026

“I was thinking we can clear out a closet at my place, and you could spend more time there.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

As the body's ability to clear out old neutrophils changes over time, disruptions in this process could lead to increased tissue damage.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

The results come as Nike looks to stoke a turnaround, including efforts to rebuild its wholesale channel, grow its running business, clear out old inventory and refocus on the performance sportswear it’s known for.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

‘Hi, Gabi. Sorry to cut your visit short, but Liv’s promised to help me clear out her grandma’s house.’

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• clean out
• dispose of
• get rid of