present participle of clear the decks

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

(transitive) To clarify, to correct a misconception. / (intransitive) To depart or disappear. / (intransitive, of skin or medical images) To become free of certain blemishes.

(simile, sarcastic) Unclear; difficult or impossible to understand or interpret.

Any of a network of banks that have a formal arrangement for the exchange of cheques, drafts, etc.

(law) Full ownership of something, usually land, that is free of any encumbrances.

Slash and burn (technique in agriculture where plant matter is roughly cut down and then burned over to prepare fields for the next crop)

(simile, of an object) Entirely transparent. / (simile, of a statement) Easily understandable.

black ice

Having clear, sharp sight. / (figuratively) Mentally acute and perspicacious.