The phrase "clear away" is spelled as /ˈklɪər əˈweɪ/. The first syllable "clear" is pronounced as /klɪər/ with the "i" sound elongated. The second syllable "away" is pronounced as /əˈweɪ/ with a schwa sound in its first syllable and an elongated "ay" sound in its second syllable. Together, these two syllables make up a phrasal verb that means to remove or tidy up. Correct spelling is crucial to ensure the meaning of the phrase is conveyed accurately.
The phrase "clear away" is a phrasal verb that consists of the verb "clear" and the adverbial particle "away". It has multiple meanings and uses depending on the context in which it is employed.
One possible definition of "clear away" refers to the action of removing or tidying up objects or clutter from a particular area or space. It implies organizing or making a place neat and free of obstructions or mess. For instance, if someone is clearing away the dishes after a meal, they are cleaning up the table and removing the plates, utensils, and other items.
Another meaning of "clear away" is associated with the process of removing or getting rid of something that is considered unwanted, unnecessary, or obstructive. This can apply to physical objects or abstract concepts. For instance, if a construction crew clears away debris from a building site, they are removing rubble or unwanted materials. In a metaphorical sense, someone might clear away doubts or fears, meaning they dispel uncertainties or alleviate concerns.
"Clear away" can also refer to the action of removing or brushing aside obstacles, hurdles, or difficulties in order to make progress or move forward. In this sense, it denotes overcoming challenges or obstructions that impede a particular task or goal. For example, if a team clears away the competition, they surpass or defeat their opponents in a competition or contest.
Overall, "clear away" encompasses the notions of organizing, removing, getting rid of, and overcoming obstacles, depending on the specific context in which it is used.
The word "clear" originated from the Middle English word "clere", which comes from the Old French word "cler", meaning "bright" or "clear". In turn, the Old French word derived from the Latin word "clarus", also meaning "clear" or "bright".
The word "away" has Old English roots and was derived from the word "aweg", which means "from this place" or "off". It is a combination of "of" and "weg", where "weg" means "way" or "path".
When these two words are used together, "clear away" refers to the act of removing or tidying up something to make a space clear, or to eliminate obstacles or clutter.