American English Podcast ⭐ Feature: The Coast is Clear and The Great Escape from Alcatraz
Jun 5, 2025
Dive into the intriguing phrase 'the coast is clear' and its roots in safety and secrecy. Learn through vivid scenarios, from a mama bird's watchful eye to the antics of shoplifting teens. Explore the legendary escape from Alcatraz in 1962 by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, who crafted a daring plan involving dummies and raincoat rafts. Unravel mysteries surrounding their fate, with theories suggesting they may have survived beyond the notorious prison walls. This captivating tale of ingenuity and evasion keeps history and language alive!
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Meaning of "The Coast is Clear"
- The expression "the coast is clear" means it is safe to proceed without being seen.
- It originated in the 1500s as a naval term to indicate no ships were in sight.
Mama Bird Uses the Expression
- A mama bird waits for the coast to be clear of a cat before leaving the nest to find food.
- She only acts when there is no danger, illustrating the expression literally and figuratively.
Cheating Lover's Warning
- A cheating girlfriend tells her lover "the coast is clear" when her boyfriend arrives, signaling it's safe to leave.
- This example shows the phrase is often used when someone wants to avoid being caught.