The phrase "clear of strays" usually refers to being free from stray animals or objects. In a broader sense, it can imply that an area, situation, or group is devoid of unwanted or unplanned elements. This phrase is less common, primarily used in specific contexts rather than as everyday language. It generally appears more in spoken contexts, especially when discussing safety or cleanliness.
The dog owner made sure the park was clear of strays before letting his pets run free.
El dueño del perro se aseguró de que el parque estuviera libre de animales callejeros antes de dejar correr a sus mascotas.
The road crew worked hard to keep the area clear of strays during the busy festival.
El equipo de carretera trabajó duro para mantener el área libre de animales vagabundos durante el festival concurrido.
It's important to keep the warehouse clear of strays to ensure safety for workers.
Es importante mantener el almacén libre de objetos sueltos para garantizar la seguridad de los trabajadores.
While "clear of strays" itself isn't a common idiom, it can be related to the concept of ensuring clarity or order. Here are some idiomatic expressions that may relate to the themes of clarity and removal of unwanted elements:
Clear the air
We need to clear the air about the misunderstanding that has been bothering us.
(Necesitamos aclarar el malentendido que nos ha estado molestando.)
Clear your mind
Take a walk to clear your mind before making a decision.
(Sal a caminar para despejar tu mente antes de tomar una decisión.)
Clear as mud
His explanation was as clear as mud; I still don't understand.
(Su explicación era tan clara como el barro; todavía no entiendo.)
Clear-cut decision
It was a clear-cut decision to move forward with the project.
(Fue una decisión clara seguir adelante con el proyecto.)
Clear sailing
Once we resolve this issue, it should be clear sailing for the rest of the project.
(Una vez que resolvamos este problema, debería ser un claro camino para el resto del proyecto.)
The term "clear" comes from the Old French "cler," meaning bright or famous, and relates to the sense of something being unobstructed. "Stray" originates from the Middle English "streien," which means to wander or roam. The phrase as a whole does not have a specific etymology but uses these two roots to convey the idea of being free from unwanted entities.