clearing the decks
Removing all obstacles
Clearing the decks means preparing for action by removing obstacles or finishing outstanding tasks.
The expression comes from naval warfare, where sailors literally cleared everything from a ship's deck before battle to allow for unobstructed movement and combat.
In everyday use, it describes getting minor matters out of the way before tackling something major: I spent the morning clearing the decks so I could focus on the project this afternoon.
- cleanupRestoration of order
- tidyingMaking spaces orderly
- spring cleaningThorough annual household purge
- preparationArranging things in advance
- getting readyPreparation before an event
prioritize · uncluttering · purging · organizing · groundwork · disposal · ship-shape · ship shape · elimination · minimize · fresh start · clean slate · starting fresh · unburdening · readiness · simplifying · setup · tying up loose ends
clearing the deckskicking the can down the road
Postponing action on something
procrastinating · muddying the waters · doing nothing · standing pat · sitting on one's hands
clearing the deckspiling on
Excessive group criticism
loading up · overcommitting · biting off more than one can chew · overloading · accumulating
clear, clearing, clears, cleared, clearer, clearest, clearly, clearness, clearance