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Meaning & use

clear line of sight

phrase·Advanced

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UK/ˌklɪə ˌlaɪn əv ˈsaɪt/
US/ˌklɪr ˌlaɪn əv ˈsaɪt/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    An unobstructed view or path between two points, with nothing blocking the way.

    Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: 'We need a clear line of sight.' Often followed by 'to' or 'between'.

    Patterns

    • have a clear line of sight
    • a clear line of sight to something
    • a clear line of sight between two things

    Make sure you have a clear line of sight to the stage before the show starts.

    The new building will block our clear line of sight to the mountains.

    The camera needs a clear line of sight to the subject.

  2. phrasefixed phrasetechnical

    In wireless communication, an unobstructed path between a transmitter and receiver, allowing signals to travel directly.

    Grammar: Technical use: often in phrases like 'line-of-sight communication' or 'clear line of sight is required'.

    Patterns

    • require a clear line of sight
    • maintain a clear line of sight
    • clear line of sight communication

    Satellite dishes need a clear line of sight to the satellite.

    The signal was weak because there was no clear line of sight between the towers.

    In urban areas, buildings often prevent a clear line of sight for radio waves.

Common combinations

have a clear line of sight
The photographer had a clear line of sight to the bride and groom.
block the clear line of sight
The tall fence blocked our clear line of sight to the park.
a clear line of sight to
We need a clear line of sight to the emergency exit.
maintain a clear line of sight
The pilot must maintain a clear line of sight to the runway.

Synonyms and how they differ

unobstructed view
More general; 'clear line of sight' often implies a straight, direct path, especially in technical contexts.
direct line of sight
Similar, but 'direct' emphasizes no deviation, while 'clear' emphasizes no obstruction.

Opposites

obstructionblocked view

Word family

line of sight noun
The straight path between an eye and what it is looking at; 'clear' adds the idea of no blockage.

Commonly confused: clear line of sight or line of sight?

clear line of sight vs line of sight

Without 'clear,' it simply means the straight path; with 'clear,' it means that path is unobstructed.

Practice

The new building will block our ______ to the mountains.

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