clear the decks
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.
"They're trying to clear the decks to reset, but we all know the reset that's now required."
From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026
The EIA, Abbey declared, “must clear the decks of unfinished projects,” “recruit and retain the best talent” and “develop the most powerful analytical capabilities.”
From Salon • May 6, 2025
UBS analysts said costs would be a focus for Deutsche's fourth-quarter earnings, noting that the bank has said it wants to "clear the decks of transformation charges and other costs" this year.
From Reuters • Jan. 24, 2022
Tottenham would like to clear the decks, too, but it has been unable to find a buyer for Serge Aurier, Moussa Sissoko or Harry Winks.
From New York Times • Aug. 7, 2021
The first duty was to clear the decks of the dead.
From A Roving Commission Or, Through the Black Insurrection at Hayti by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)