clear security

Meaning

This phrase means to successfully pass through the safety screening process at an airport, government building, or major venue. It involves having your identification checked and your bags scanned by security officers. It is a very common, neutral phrase used by travelers and airport staff alike.

Examples

• We need to arrive early to ensure we have enough time to clear security.

  We need to arrive early to ensure we have enough time to clear security.

• Once we clear security, we can grab a coffee near our departure gate.

  Once we clear security, we can grab a coffee near our departure gate.

• It took us nearly an hour to clear security because of the holiday rush.

  It took us nearly an hour to clear security because of the holiday rush.

• Make sure you have your passport ready before you attempt to clear security.

  Make sure you have your passport ready before you attempt to clear security.

• Business travelers usually clear security much faster because they pack light.

  Business travelers usually clear security much faster because they pack light.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to pass the security control.

  ✓ We need to clear security.

  While "pass through security" is acceptable, "pass the security control" sounds unnatural and stilted to native speakers.

• ✗ I finally cleaned security after a long wait.

  ✓ I finally cleared security after a long wait.

  Learners confuse the verb "clear" (to pass a checkpoint) with "clean" (to remove dirt).

Related Expressions

Practice

• How long did it take you to ___ at the airport this morning?

  💡 To pass through the metal detectors and baggage screening.

  Show answer

  clear security

• We should meet at the cafe right after we ___.

  💡 After passing the airport checkpoint.

  Show answer

  clear security