coast is clear, the

Slang definitions & phrases for coast is clear, the

coast is clear, the

sentence

Danger is past; resistance no longer impends: I'll be back here as soon as the bomb squad says the coast is clear (1630s+)

Idioms and Phrases with coast is clear, the

coast is clear, the

No observers or authorities are present; one can proceed safely. For example, Let's make sure the coast is clear before we set up this surprise party. This expression may have originated among pirates and smugglers who were referring to the absence of coast guards, or with regard to a coastal military invasion, but no citations bear out these theories. By the late 1500s the term was used purely figuratively.