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

Just as hurricanes have a greater impact on the lower-income demographic in our coastal city - people who are living day-to-day, paycheck-to-paycheck, do not have the means to stockpile food and medications for two weeks, buy plywood for all their windows and head off to hotels in Atlanta until the coast is clear - the rising water of sea level change, the extreme heat, the storm intensity and loss of property that climate change is already bringing hurt the “have-nots” the most.

From Washington Times

“Ah, the coast is clear!” the Black Star said.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, if all pioneers report that the coast is clear, the Navy's Bureau of Ships, its medical units, and its associated scientists will enter Bikini Lagoon to see what the Model-T bomb has done to the U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg