present participle of clear the decks

plural of general of the army

A commissioned military officer of the highest rank in the United States, ranking directly above a general, and corresponding to marshal or field marshal in other countries. A general of the army is equal in grade or rank to an admiral of the fleet.

(nautical) To remove, or fasten, all loose material, or partitions prior to a naval engagement. / (by extension, figuratively) To prepare for action.

(intransitive, dated) To perform a requisite task despite obstacles. / (intransitive, dated) To perform a requisite task without having been informed specifically by what method to do so.

(idiomatic, Britain) To be frightened or disturbed.

Lessons learned from experience are the most lasting.

(boxing, professional wrestling) Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.

(idiomatic, transitive, Britain) To frighten or disturb.

(uncountable) A children's game in which one player stands on top of a hill or other location atop an incline, and attempts to repel other players whose goal is to capture his position.