clear up
The phrase "clear up" has multiple meanings depending on the context, including resolving misunderstandings, improving weather, and tidying spaces.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To resolve or explain something that is confusing or unclear.
Example
- The teacher helped clear up the confusion about the homework assignment.
- Can you clear up this misunderstanding between us?
A2Household
(informal)To make a place neat and tidy by removing clutter or mess.
Example
- We need to clear up the living room before our guests arrive.
- After the party, everyone helped to clear up the house.
B1Weather
(general)To improve in weather conditions, typically referring to the sky becoming less cloudy or rainy.
Example
- The weather is supposed to clear up by the afternoon.
- It looks like the sky is clearing up.
B2Medical
(general)To recover from an illness or medical condition.
Example
- The rash should clear up in a few days with this ointment.
- His cold cleared up after he took the medicine.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "clear up":
clear awayclear outclean upclean outin the clearcome cleanclean downstraighten outall clearclear the deckssort outsquare awayclear roundstraighten upbrighten upclean up afterclear cutfix upclear the neighborhoodclear as crystalclear offsmooth outwipe upmop upmist uplighten upflush outclean houseair outtotal clearancecrystal clearfirm upscrub outsweep outsort oneself outcloud up