clear the way
idiom
1
: to make the area through which someone or something is trying to pass open and able to be used
She directed traffic to clear the way for the ambulance.
2
: to allow something to happen or develop
The truce would clear the way for further discussions between the two groups.
Examples of clear the way in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The western ridge is projected to break down, and that will allow the pattern to get moving, allowing the milder air to move to the east and finally clear the way for some Pacific storm systems to move into the West.
—
Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
His decision is expected to clear the way for Geordin Hill-Lewis, the 39-year-old mayor of Cape Town, to emerge as a leading contender to succeed him.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Secondary coach Doug Belk didn’t have his contract renewed, possibly to clear the way for Patterson to coach safeties.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Unfortunately, the lessons of 2025 prove that a handful of sellout lawmakers will stop at nothing to clear the way for unchecked profiteering at the expense of Florida communities.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clear the way
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Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
His decision is expected to clear the way for Geordin Hill-Lewis, the 39-year-old mayor of Cape Town, to emerge as a leading contender to succeed him.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Secondary coach Doug Belk didn’t have his contract renewed, possibly to clear the way for Patterson to coach safeties.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Unfortunately, the lessons of 2025 prove that a handful of sellout lawmakers will stop at nothing to clear the way for unchecked profiteering at the expense of Florida communities.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clear the way
Cite this Entry
“Clear the way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clear%20the%20way. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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