clear the clouds

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear the clouds" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the removal of something emotionally or spiritually anxious or troubling. For example: "The kind words of a dear friend helped clear the clouds of my loneliness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Thomas spoke at yesterday's news conference with a beaming smile, speaking of winning championships and promising to "clear the clouds".

The New York Times - Sports

But I felt as if I needed to go somewhere to clear the clouds from my head, so I got a 10-day rental and took it to the northernmost coast of Scotland.

The Guardian

One day, the mist will clear, the clouds will part and we will realise that, all the while, people were interested in other things than just the intricacies of customs unions, backstops and the latest pronouncements of the Speaker.

The Times

It is too early to know precisely what the city will come up with in the theater district, but whatever plan is devised, the implications are clear - the clouds are gathering for major battles between the custodians of churches and theaters and the city's landmarks preservation officials.

The New York Times

It was not a result or performance that could clear the clouds hanging over Rodgers.

BBC

Although he minutiae types of crossbar and bridge are also higher in females than in males but the frequency of its occurrence is much lower to be significantly included in discretion process yet more sampling in near future may clear the clouds of their role in gender differentiation (Figs. 3 and 4).

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

That would help clear the cloud over Albany.

The New York Times

To be really clear, the CLOUD Act does not say a comity analysis is available at all or even that a provider has a right to bring a motion to quash or amend the legal process.

Stanford University

Since Mr. Cobb's arrival, the White House has operated on the premise that the quickest way to clear the cloud of suspicion was to cooperate with Mr. Mueller, not to fight him.

The New York Times

Most of those gathered recommended that the president adopt a conciliatory stance and release a statement accepting Mr. Rosenstein's decision and embracing a swift investigation that would clear the cloud of suspicion hovering over the West Wing.

The New York Times

"Most of those gathered recommended that the president adopt a conciliatory stance and release a statement accepting Mr. Rosenstein's decision and embracing a swift investigation that would clear the cloud of suspicion hovering over the West Wing," the paper said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear the clouds" to express the removal of emotional or mental ambiguity, especially when a situation feels heavy or unclear. For example: "A good night's sleep can help clear the clouds of anxiety."

Common error

Avoid using "clear the clouds" in literal weather contexts. It's best suited for metaphorical situations involving emotions, confusion, or problems, not actual cloud formations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear the clouds" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It describes the action of resolving or alleviating something negative, such as confusion, doubt, or emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear the clouds" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the removal of negativity, confusion, or problems. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. While grammatically sound, it is relatively rare. This analysis has shown the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using "clear the clouds", it is crucial to use it in metaphorical contexts rather than literal weather situations. Alternative phrases include "resolve the issues" or "clarify the situation". Overall, the phrase carries a neutral tone and is suitable for various forms of writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Resolve the issues

Focuses on problem-solving with more direct language.

Clarify the situation

Emphasizes making something clearer or easier to understand.

Alleviate the problem

Focuses on making a problem less severe.

Dispel the confusion

Highlights the removal of uncertainty or misunderstanding.

Iron out the difficulties

Implies smoothing out problems or resolving inconsistencies.

Straighten out the mess

Suggests resolving a chaotic situation.

Get to the bottom of things

Emphasizes finding the true cause of something.

Sort things out

Implies organizing or resolving issues.

Tidy up the loose ends

Focuses on resolving any remaining unresolved issues.

Solve the mystery

Highlights the resolution of something puzzling or unexplained.

FAQs

What does "clear the clouds" mean?

The phrase "clear the clouds" typically means to remove or resolve something that is causing difficulty, confusion, or negativity. It often refers to emotional or mental states.

How can I use "clear the clouds" in a sentence?

You might say, "A productive discussion helped "clear the clouds" of doubt surrounding the project's direction."

What can I say instead of "clear the clouds"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve the issues", "clarify the situation", or "alleviate the problem" depending on the context.

Is "clear the clouds" an idiom?

Yes, "clear the clouds" is an idiom, meaning its figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning of the words. It's used to describe removing negativity or confusion.