Dictionary

clear-out en · NOUN

Etymology

Deverbal from clear out.

Meanings

1. The act of emptying a room or space.
   • DB Cargo has begun its clear-out of its Class 90 electric locomotive fleet in a fresh attempt to sell 12 examples, some of which have been out of use for almost 20 years. 2023 October 4, “Network News: DBC launches fresh bid to sell redundant Class 90s”, in RAIL, number 993, page 10:
   • We should give the garage a clear-out to make space for the new car.
2. A semicircular sweep with the ball grasped firmly in both hands.
3. The act of removing opponents from a ruck or scrum in order to secure possession of the ball.
   • Leading British rugby correspondent Brendan Gallagher, writing in The Rugby Paper on 31 December 2017, produced a withering indictment of the practice, saying: “Sort out the thuggery at clear-out time, start reffing it properly. The clear out doesn't exist in law and certainly shouldn't be used as an excuse for players who are not bound to launch themselves off their feet like an Exocet and take out-injure-maim players who are behind the ball and legally bound on. Or sometimes just trying to reach the ruck." 2021, Ross Reyburn, Saving Rugby Union:
   • Dave Kearney was straight over the ball in a jackal, and Mul made a brilliant clear-out. 2016, Gerry Thornley, Front Up, Rise Up: The Official Story of Connacht Rugby:

Forms

Coordinates

clearance · cleanout