Definition

1. 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

1. permission to proceed because obstacles have been removed
2. a signal (usually a siren) that danger is over