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

Mr Grigson was urged to "clear the decks" at MGN newspapers, it was claimed.

From BBC ● May 24, 2023

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

“Then I can’t do better than say another word to the engineer, for of all the ways to clear the decks this hot water system’s about the best.”

From Middy and Ensign by Rowlandson, G. D.