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

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

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

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 was the first to recover from this stupor, and turning to the others, I made signs to clear the decks of the dead bodies—speak I could not.

From Arthur O'Leary His Wanderings And Ponderings In Many Lands by Lever, Charles James