all clear
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Permission to proceed because obstacles have been removed: An official indication that a previous danger, restriction, or problem no longer exists, allowing normal activities to resume.
- A signal (usually a siren) that danger is over: A specific audible or visual signal, often used in military or civil defense contexts, indicating that an air raid, chemical hazard, or other imminent threat has passed.
Usage and Examples
Noun (Permission to proceed):
- The inspector gave the all clear for the building to be reoccupied after the gas leak was fixed.
- We are waiting for the all clear from management before launching the new product.
Noun (Signal that danger is over):
- After the tornado warning expired, the all clear siren sounded across the town.
- Soldiers remained in the bunker until they heard the all clear.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The phrase is often used metaphorically outside of emergency contexts to indicate that a situation is safe or that a plan can proceed.
- Once the legal team gives the all clear, we can sign the contract.
- It can describe a state of safety or resolution.
- The doctor's tests came back with an all clear; there's nothing to worry about.
Variants and Related Words
- Clearance (n): Official authorization or the act of clearing something.
- The plane received clearance for takeoff.
- Safe (adj/n): Secure from danger or risk. While related, "safe" is a broader state, whereas "all clear" is a specific declaration following a period of danger or restriction.
Synonyms
- Go-ahead (n): Permission to proceed.
- Authorization (n): Official permission.
- All-clear signal (n): The specific signal itself.
Common Phrases and Idioms
- To get/give the all clear: The standard phrasing for receiving or granting permission after a hazard.
- We can go back inside once the fire department gives the all clear.
- The patient was relieved to get the all clear from her cardiologist.
- All clear is sounded: A formal way to state that the safety signal has been given.
- The all clear was sounded and people emerged from the shelters.
Noun
- permission to proceed because obstacles have been removed
- a signal (usually a siren) that danger is over