all-clear

all-clear

The air-raid siren sounds the all-clear.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A signal that danger is over: "all-clear" refers to a signal (such as a siren or announcement) indicating that an air raid, emergency, or dangerous situation has ended and it is safe to resume normal activities.
    • Permission to proceed: In a broader sense, "all-clear" can mean official permission or confirmation that a situation is safe or that a planned action can continue without risk.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The air raid siren sounded the all-clear, and people emerged from the shelters. (A signal that the bombing danger had passed.)
    • After the security sweep, the officer gave the all-clear for the building to reopen. (Official permission that the area is safe.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to give the all-clear": to provide the signal or permission that a dangerous situation is over.

    • The coast guard gave the all-clear for boats to return to the harbour after the storm passed. (They officially announced it was safe.)

  • "to sound the all-clear": to make a specific sound or announcement indicating safety.

    • The factory's alarm sounded the all-clear after the fire drill concluded. (The siren signalled the end of the exercise.)
Variants and Related Words

  • All-clear signal (n): the specific sound or message used to indicate safety.

    • The all-clear signal was a long, steady tone. (The sound that meant danger was over.)

  • All-clear notice (n): an official written or spoken announcement of safety.

    • The hospital posted an all-clear notice after the power outage was resolved. (An announcement that conditions were normal.)
Synonyms
  • Green light: permission to proceed; a signal that it is safe to act.
  • Safe signal: a sign that no danger remains.
  • Go-ahead: authorization to start or continue.
Related Idioms

  • All clear on the western front: an informal phrase meaning that everything is safe or fine (derived from the novel All Quiet on the Western Front).

    • After checking the house for intruders, he called out, "All clear on the western front!" (A humorous way to say everything is safe.)

  • Clear as a bell: not directly synonymous, but often used in contexts of clarity of signals.

    • The all-clear announcement came through clear as a bell. (The signal was easy to understand.)