free and clear

Idioms

Without any legal encumbrance, such as a lien or mortgage. For example, After the mortgage was paid off they owned the house free and clear. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Plaintiffs have likewise objected, saying he is trying to wipe out those liabilities and buy it back on the cheap, free and clear of tort liabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Your stepdaughter may not be free and clear of her estranged husband’s credit-card debt even though he has signed a notarized affidavit to say he is solely responsible for this debt.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 14, 2025

Now that she’s free and clear, it’s Milioti’s time to shine.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2025

Pittsburgh’s Bryan Rust found Drew O’Connor, who was free and clear to blast a shot over Daccord’s glove.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2024

No light switch, no water running free and clear after a turn of a tap handle.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023