come back clean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come back clean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expected to return without any issues, problems, or negative results, often after a test or examination. Example: "After the medical tests, I was relieved to hear that everything came back clean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

If they come back clean, then the world should apologise to Russia," said Slyusarenko.

The Guardian

Because the batter has coagulated, a wire or thin knife poked into the cake should come back clean.

The Guardian

Baseball gods willing, the X-ray would come back clean, and the fifty thousand stomping fans, along with millions more worldwide, could exhale.

Columbia University

Most customers, he added, do not care what method is used as long as their clothes come back clean and undamaged.

The New York Times

Customers have responded well to the black currant dishes on Dressler's menu — "plates come back clean," Mr. Dobkin said — but many are not familiar with the berry.

The New York Times

"I, myself - have been to the gynaecologist once a year since we split up and have always been tested across the board for everything and have come back clean across the board every time.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"In time, maybe, post nationalisation, when they come back cleaned up, they'll look very attractive businesses, because banks ought to make good returns in a benign economic environment and are good places to invest".

The Guardian - Business

Roger Karoutchi, a senator from the center-right UMP, said: "Thirty-seven montheldeld in the desert and Marine Le Pen says the hostages should have come back clean-shaven and in three-piece suits.

Huffington Post

The blood- test results came back clean.

The New York Times

The rug came back clean and fluffy.

The New Yorker

He comes back clean in 2009 and wins?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come back clean" in medical or legal contexts, ensure it accurately reflects the absence of negative findings. For instance, say "the tests came back clean" rather than "he came back clean" unless referring to a person's reputation.

Common error

Avoid using "come back clean" when referring to general improvements or tidiness. This phrase typically indicates the absence of negative findings after scrutiny, not simply a return to a better state. For example, instead of saying "the room came back clean", consider "the room was thoroughly cleaned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come back clean" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the result of a test, investigation, or examination. It signifies that upon return or review, no negative findings or issues were detected. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come back clean" is a grammatically sound verb phrase predominantly used to indicate a return or result free from negative findings, especially after tests or examinations. Predominantly used in News and Media, Wiki and Academia. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

While the phrase is commonly understood, remember that contexts requiring formality might benefit from more precise alternatives like "test negative" or "show no signs of contamination". Understanding the scope of the phrase is also crucial; it’s best suited for scenarios involving scrutiny rather than general improvements or tidiness. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can effectively use "come back clean" to convey assurance and clarity in various communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return with a clean bill of health

Focuses specifically on health, implying a return to good health after examination.

test negative

Specifically indicates a negative result from a test, often medical or drug-related.

be exonerated

Implies being cleared of blame or wrongdoing upon return.

be cleared

Suggests being officially declared free from suspicion or charges.

be found innocent

Specifically relates to legal or accusatory contexts, meaning to be proven not guilty.

emerge unscathed

Implies returning without any harm or negative impact.

pass the inspection

Focuses on successfully completing an inspection without issues.

prove one's innocence

Highlights the act of demonstrating innocence or lack of culpability.

get a clean slate

Indicates a fresh start without past issues or problems affecting the future.

show no contamination

Emphasizes the absence of impurities or harmful substances upon examination.

FAQs

What does it mean when test results "come back clean"?

When test results "come back clean", it means that the tests did not detect any abnormalities, diseases, or unwanted substances.

What are some alternative ways to say "come back clean" in a medical context?

In a medical context, you can use phrases like "test negative", "return with a clean bill of health", or "show no signs of disease" instead of "come back clean".

How is "come back clean" used in legal or investigative scenarios?

In legal or investigative scenarios, "come back clean" can mean that a background check revealed no criminal history, or an investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing; alternatives include "be exonerated" or "be cleared".

Is it appropriate to use "come back clean" in formal writing?

While "come back clean" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "test negative" or "prove one's innocence" may be preferred in highly formal or professional contexts.