clear the fence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear the fence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed to remove obstacles or to make a path unobstructed, often in a literal sense related to physical barriers. Example: "Before we start the game, we need to clear the fence of any debris to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Manny Ramirez, who had just singled, thought the ball would clear the fence.

The New York Times - Sports

Talk story about what happens to baseballs that clear the fence at Ebbets Field & land on Bedford Ave.

The New Yorker

When Martinez connected, the Yankees in the dugout, including Torre, rose, hoping the shot would clear the fence.

The New York Times - Sports

Before that claret and sherry were used as well as… Talk story about what happens to baseballs that clear the fence at Ebbets Field & land on Bedford Ave.

The New Yorker

As the ball sailed toward the right-field corner, Lind doubted that his low drive had enough to clear the fence.

The New York Times

The first four batters here in the second have hit the ball hard, two of them hit it hard enough to clear the fence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

His trainer is also satisfied that he will be able to clear the fences.

The Guardian - Sport

It's clear the fences are not going to stop smugglers".

The Guardian

Jeter can no longer consistently bring the bat through the hitting zone at the proper moment, and with enough authority, to hit line drives into the outfield gaps or fly balls that clear the fences.

The New York Times

The second homer was a line drive to the opposite field that just cleared the fence.

The New Yorker

That little girl cleared the fence by a good three feet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear the fence" in sports writing, consider the context. Is it a literal fence in a stadium, or a metaphorical barrier to success? Use precise language to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "clear the fence" solely in a metaphorical sense without establishing a clear connection to a tangible barrier or obstacle. Ensure the audience understands the implied comparison to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear the fence" primarily functions as a compound verb phrase. It often describes the action of a ball passing over the boundary in baseball, indicating a home run. As Ludwig AI points out, it can also metaphorically represent overcoming obstacles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear the fence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, predominantly in sports reporting to describe a home run. According to Ludwig AI, it also serves as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news media to informal discussions. While primarily associated with sports, its metaphorical application extends its relevance to broader discussions of achieving success and surpassing challenges. Its frequency across authoritative sources, particularly The New York Times and The New Yorker, underscores its established usage in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove the barrier

Focuses on the act of removing an obstacle, less specific than clearing a literal fence.

overcome the obstacle

Emphasizes overcoming a challenge, which can be physical or metaphorical, unlike the literal fence.

jump over the fence

Specifies a method of overcoming the fence, rather than simply clearing it.

scale the barrier

Implies climbing over, which is a specific way of clearing a barrier.

get past the hurdle

Uses a metaphorical hurdle to represent the obstacle, less literal than a fence.

eliminate the obstruction

Formal and general term for removing something blocking the way.

demolish the fence

Implies a more forceful removal of the fence, suggesting destruction.

take down the fence

Suggests disassembling or removing the fence in a more organized manner.

make a breakthrough

More abstract, referring to overcoming a significant obstacle, not necessarily physical.

open up the fence

Focuses on creating an opening in the fence, rather than completely removing it.

FAQs

What does it mean to "clear the fence" in baseball?

In baseball, to "clear the fence" means that a batted ball is hit over the outfield fence in fair territory, resulting in a home run.

What can I say instead of "clear the fence" when talking about overcoming obstacles?

You can use alternatives like "overcome the obstacle", "remove the barrier", or "get past the hurdle" depending on the context.

How is "clear the fence" used outside of sports contexts?

Outside of sports, "clear the fence" can metaphorically refer to overcoming a significant obstacle or barrier in any field. It suggests a decisive success in surpassing a challenge.

Is it correct to say "cleared the fence" or "clear the fence"?

Both forms are correct, depending on the tense you want to use. "Cleared the fence" is the past tense, indicating that the action has already happened. "Clear the fence" can be used as an instruction or in a hypothetical situation, like "If the ball "clears the fence", we win."