coast is clear, the

Idioms  

1. No observers or authorities are present; one can proceed safely. For example, Let's make sure the coast is clear before we set up this surprise party. This expression may have originated among pirates and smugglers who were referring to the absence of coast guards, or with regard to a coastal military invasion, but no citations bear out these theories. By the late 1500s the term was used purely figuratively.

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Example Sentences

My lady So-and-so sendeth thee many salams and biddeth me let thee know that to-day the coast is clear, the Captain being invited out to a certain place.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 15 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

"The coast is clear," the captain said, rubbing his hands.

From In the Reign of Terror by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)