Phrases & Expressions

A fresh start, especially after past mistakes or problems.

• After moving to a new city, she wanted to start with a clean slate.
• Paying off his debts gave him a clean slate.

Extremely easy to understand or see.

• Her guilt was clear as day.
• The instructions were clear as day.

Proof that is obvious.

• There is clear evidence of fraud.
• We have clear evidence to support this.

Used to say that an aircraft has completely left the runway.

• The pilot reported clear of runway after turning onto the taxiway.
• Do not stop until you are completely clear of the runway.

To hold on to someone or something tightly.

• The child clung to her mother's hand.
• The kitten clung to the branch and would not come down.

To lock a shop or building at the end of the day.

• We close up the shop at nine in the evening.
• The owner was closing up when we arrived.

To find or meet something or someone by chance.

• I came across an old friend at the market.
• He came across some interesting facts online.

To break into pieces, often because the parts were not joined well.

• The old book came apart in my hands.
• My cheap shoes came apart after only a month.

To visit someone's home or a place.

• Come around for dinner tonight.
• My parents are coming around this weekend.

To cause problems between people.

• I won't let anything come between me and my best friend.
• Money came between the two brothers.