1
general::
1. Free from danger or suspicion of wrongdoing, as in The evidence showed that the suspect was actually in the clear. [1920s] 2. Having enough money to make a profit, as in When they added up the box-office returns, they found they were several thousand dollars in the clear. [Slang; 1920s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): *in the clear
1. Lit. not obstructed; not enclosed. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~; get someone or something [into] ~.) • You’re in the clear. Go ahead and back up. • Once the deer got into the clear, it ran away. 2. Fig. to be innocent; not to be guilty. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~; get someone or something [into] ~.) • Don’t worry, Tom. I’m sure you’re in the clear. • I’ll feel better when I get into the clear.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs