1 A2 neutral
To remove dishes, utensils, or leftovers from the table after a meal.
"As soon as dinner was finished, the children helped to clear away the plates."
separable
clear away
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To remove objects from a surface or area to make it tidy and clear.
In plain English
To take away the things on a table or in a space so it looks neat and empty.
What does "clear away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To remove objects, obstacles, or clutter from an area to make it tidy or accessible.
"Volunteers worked all morning to clear away the fallen branches after the storm."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move things away to create a clear, open space.
Actually means
To take away the things on a table or in a space so it looks neat and empty.
Usage tip
Very common at mealtimes (clear away the plates/dishes). Also used for obstacles, debris, and general clutter. Often implies removing things that are finished with or no longer needed.
Words that pair with "clear away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
plates dishes cups debris clutter snow obstacles
How to conjugate "clear away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
clear away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
clears away
he/she/it
Past simple
cleared away
yesterday
Past participle
cleared away
have + pp
-ing form
clearing away
continuous
Hear "clear away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "clear away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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