in the clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that is used to describe something that is unambiguous; it is obvious to understand and not confusing or uncertain. For example, "After reading the instructions for the task, I felt like I was in the clear and ready to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You are in the clear!

The New York Times

So far she's in the clear.

The New Yorker

He's in the clear.

The Guardian

In the clear little brook.

Britannica

Archer insisted he was in the clear.

The Guardian

Are we in the clear yet?

The Guardian - Film

Cable is not completely in the clear.

The New York Times

Legally, it leaves Clinton in the clear.

The New Yorker

He was not in the clear, though.

The New York Times - Arts

He's not quite in the clear yet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(1) Tunes NTSC analog channels transmitted in-the-clear.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the clear" to concisely convey that someone is no longer suspected of wrongdoing or is out of danger. For technical contexts, specify that data is transmitted "in the clear" to indicate it is unencrypted.

Common error

Avoid using "in the clear" loosely in technical documents; instead, ensure you're specifically referring to unencrypted data transmission to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the clear" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being free from suspicion, guilt, or danger. As Ludwig AI says, it describes something unambiguous or obvious.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the clear" is a versatile idiom indicating freedom from suspicion, danger, or encryption. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is "very common", particularly in "News & Media". While generally neutral, using more formal alternatives like ""exonerated"" might be preferable in professional contexts. Remember to consider the specific context, whether it's legal, personal safety, or technical data, for accurate interpretation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its consistent usage and clear meaning across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of danger

Directly states the cessation of a perilous situation.

exonerated

Implies formal absolution or vindication after scrutiny.

beyond suspicion

Emphasizes that someone or something is no longer suspected of wrongdoing.

vindicated

Suggests justification or proof against accusations.

free from blame

Highlights the absence of responsibility for a fault or error.

acquitted

Specifically denotes legal freedom from a charge.

off the hook

Informal term indicating release from obligation or blame.

home free

Suggests the final stage of a task where success is assured.

safe

General term implying security and absence of danger.

unencumbered

Indicates freedom from burdens or obstacles.

FAQs

What does "in the clear" mean?

The phrase "in the clear" generally means someone is not guilty or suspected of wrongdoing, out of danger, or refers to unencrypted data transmission. Context is crucial for accurate interpretation.

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

You can use "in the clear" to indicate someone is no longer suspected of a crime, as in "After the investigation, he was finally "exonerated" and considered "in the clear"". Or you could say: "The radio broadcast was transmitted "in the clear", without any encryption".

What are some alternatives to saying "in the clear"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""exonerated"", "vindicated", "acquitted", or "out of danger" instead of "in the clear".

Is it appropriate to use "in the clear" in formal writing?

While "in the clear" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like ""exonerated"" or "vindicated" in formal or professional contexts to maintain a higher level of formality.