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Region: General | Usage example: Once the approvals arrived, it was clear sailing.

Clear sailing

Meaning

Easy progress without obstacles.

Usage

Used after removing initial hurdles.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Nautical phrase describing smooth waters.

Used since the 19th century in shipping contexts.