English in a Minute: Clear the Decks

Welcome to English in a Minute! The top part of a boat is called a deck. But what does it mean to “clear the decks”? 
AS: How are you, Anna?  
AM: Stressed. I have to write four stories, edit a 10-page report, oh, and write a song for my son’s birthday party!  
AS: Oh, a song! Cool, how does it go? 
AM: It’s your birthday, again. I don’t know.
AS: Anna, clear the decks with your work, and then, definitely work on that song. 
To “clear the decks” means to finish up other tasks before starting something new. I agree with Andrew. Finish up your work, and then fix that song, Anna. And that’s English in Minute! 
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