Question

Clear the Decks to get all of the minor details out of the way in order to focus on a major project

Accepted Answer

Before we can build our model for the science fair, we have to clear the decks of other homework. This is another of the many idioms that began at sea. In the times of wooden sailing ships, before the 1700s, crews got ready for a battle at sea by fastening down all loose objects on the cluttered deck that might get in the way or cause injuries. By the 18th century the expression had a broader meaning: deal with and get rid of all small matters that might stand in the way of getting a big job done.

Idiom	Clear the Decks
Example	Before we can build our model for the science fair, we have to clear the decks of other homework.
Meaning	to get all of the minor details out of the way in order to focus on a major project
Origin	This is another of the many idioms that began at sea. In the times of wooden sailing ships, before the 1700s, crews got ready for a battle at sea by fastening down all loose objects on the cluttered deck that might get in the way or cause injuries. By the 18th century the expression had a broader meaning: deal with and get rid of all small matters that might stand in the way of getting a big job done.

Clear Decks Build Model Science Fair Homework Minor