clear the table

1. see clear out, def. 1.

Example Sentences

And the other one is not much of a cook, but we’re like, “You set the table, you clear the table,” he has to do the dishes.

From Los Angeles Times

And the energy around the meeting has been supercharged by the surprisingly soft inflation data that saw traders all but clear the table of any remaining rate hike bets.

From Reuters

Do you have a public health duty to clear the table and send everyone home?

From Washington Post

That claim would appear to sweep away the New York Film Festival showings of “Bridge of Spies” and “Lincoln,” the Cannes premieres of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “The BFG,” and the South by Southwest bow of “Ready Player One,” but hey, sometimes you’ve got to clear the table before you can set it.

From New York Times

“Well,” Mrs. Poe said, “you three had better start packing. Edgar, Albert, please help me clear the table.”

From Literature