come out clean

USAGE SUMMARY

'come out clean' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone is successful in proving that they have done nothing wrong. For example, "After being investigated for financial wrongdoing, the CEO was relieved to come out clean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(A skewer should come out clean).

Independent

There is nothing we can do to come out clean".

The New York Times

A thin knife blade inserted into its center should come out clean.

The New York Times - Magazine

To test, insert a skewer through the centre; it should come out clean.

Independent

Give them another minute or two if it doesn't come out clean.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Check for readiness by inserting a skewer, which should come out clean.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are young men who took a swim in a cesspool and didn't come out clean.

The New York Times - Sports

He'd been in borstal for eight months and had come out clean, off drugs for the moment.

The Guardian

The skewer test won't work with this cake: the apples are wet, so it won't come out clean.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A knife inserted into the deepest part of the cake should come out clean when the cake is cooked through.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

5 Cook for 1 hour and 40 minutes until the cake is browned (an inserted skewer should come out clean).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come out clean" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the subject's prior involvement or accusation in a potentially compromising situation. This will give strength and better context to the phrase. Make sure to show the effort put in, to make the result valuable.

Common error

Avoid using "come out clean" when there was no prior implication of wrongdoing or suspicion. Using it when someone does something normal makes it sound like they were doing something wrong initially.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "come out clean" primarily functions as a predicate, describing the result of a situation where someone successfully proves their innocence or avoids blame. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase implies a prior suspicion or accusation that has been successfully refuted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "come out clean" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone who successfully proves their innocence or avoids blame after a period of suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in public discourse. While generally neutral in tone, more formal situations might warrant using synonyms such as "prove innocence" or "be exonerated". When using this phrase, ensure the context implies a previous suspicion of wrongdoing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be found not guilty

This specifically refers to a legal declaration of innocence.

clear your name

This idiom emphasizes the restoration of one's reputation.

prove innocence

This directly addresses the act of demonstrating freedom from guilt.

be exonerated

This formal term indicates official absolution from blame.

vindicate yourself

This suggests successfully defending oneself against accusations.

emerge unscathed

This alternative focuses on avoiding harm or damage, similar to clearing one's name.

walk away free

This focuses on the act of leaving a situation without penalty.

come off scot-free

This idiom suggests avoiding punishment or negative consequences.

acquit oneself well

This emphasizes performing admirably, suggesting ethical behavior.

come through with flying colors

This alternative highlights succeeding brilliantly, implying innocence.

FAQs

How can I use "come out clean" in a sentence?

You can use "come out clean" to describe someone who has been investigated or accused of something but is proven innocent. For example, "The politician was under investigation for corruption, but he managed to "come out clean"."

What does it mean to "come out clean" in a legal context?

In a legal setting, "come out clean" suggests that an individual has successfully proven their innocence or has been acquitted of all charges. It implies that they have navigated the legal process without being found guilty.

What are some alternatives to "come out clean"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prove innocence", "clear your name", or "be exonerated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "come out clean" a formal or informal expression?

"Come out clean" is generally considered an informal expression. While understandable in most contexts, more formal situations might benefit from using alternatives like "be exonerated" or "prove innocence".