clear up

verb

1. (tr) to explain or solve (a mystery, misunderstanding, etc)

2. to put (a place or thing that is disordered) in order

3. (intr) (of the weather) to become brighter

noun

1. the act or an instance of clearing up

Idioms and Phrases

Clarify, explain, solve, as in Let's try to clear up this misunderstanding . [Late 1600s]

Become clear, as in After the storm, it cleared up very quickly . [Early 1600s]

Return something to a normal condition, cure, as in This new salve will clear up your rash .

Example Sentences

The skies eventually cleared up on Saturday, and the stadium indeed filled with Oasis’ soaring, anthemic bangers for 2 ½ hours.

From Los Angeles Times

"I thought everything would be cleared up but instead, they suddenly shackled us," said Mr Kim, another worker detained, who only wanted to reveal his last name.

From BBC

Measles normally clears up within seven to 10 days but can cause serious complications.

From BBC

"If that unexploded ordnance had been cleared up and wasn't there then this wildfire would have been able to be dealt with, probably completely, nearly two weeks ago," he told the BBC.

From BBC

The spots fill up with fluid and become blisters before crusting over to form scabs, which eventually drop off and clear up.

From BBC

Related Words

• clarify 
• illustrate 
• resolve 
• solve 
• straighten out 
• unravel