clea
rance
Plural
clearances
1
the amount of space or distance separating two objects
- The plane's wing had minimal clearance from the hangar wall.
- There's just enough clearance for the drawer to open fully.
- Engineers checked the clearance between the moving parts.
- Proper clearance must be maintained between cables.
2
official permission to proceed or to happen
- The pilot received clearance from air traffic control to take off.
- Employees need security clearance to access classified information.
- The construction project cannot begin until environmental clearance is obtained.
- The customs officer granted clearance for the shipment to enter the country.
- She waited anxiously for medical clearance from her doctor before resuming physical activity.
3
the vertical distance available beneath an object for passage
- The bridge has a clearance of 4.5 meters.
- Trucks exceeding the height clearance will be rerouted.
- Always check the clearance before driving under overpasses.
- The parking garage lists maximum clearance at the entrance.
- Clearance signs are posted for safety.
4
the act of clearing away obstacles or unwanted materials to make an area open or usable
- The team began land clearance for the new construction site.
- Debris clearance took several days after the storm.
- Forest clearance has raised environmental concerns.
- Clearance of the road allowed traffic to resume.
- The crew completed snow clearance by dawn.
5
a defensive play that drives the ball away from the goal area
A clearance is a defensive action in sports like soccer, hockey, or rugby, where a player kicks or hits the ball away from their own goal area to prevent the opposing team from scoring. This is typically done when the defense is under pressure and needs to move the ball out of a dangerous position. A clearance can be made by kicking, heading, or passing the ball to a teammate or downfield, aiming to gain space and control. It is an important move for relieving pressure on the defense.
- The defender made a crucial clearance to relieve pressure on the defense.
- His clearance reached the halfway line, allowing the team to regroup.
- The team relies on her accurate clearances to maintain control of the game.
- A well-timed clearance prevented the opposing team from scoring.
- With seconds left on the clock, the defender's clearance secured the victory.