crystal clear
Meaning
Extremely clear and easy to understand; unmistakable.
Origin
From the literal clarity of crystal (clear, transparent quartz/glass). By the 19th century, “crystal clear” was common as a metaphor for perfect visual clarity and then for mental/communicative clarity.
Notes
Common and neutral; used for instructions, explanations, intentions, or rules. Can be used sarcastically as a short reply (“Crystal clear.”).
Examples
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The instructions were crystal clear, so I finished the setup in five minutes.
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If anything isn’t crystal clear, ask me before we move on.
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The lake was crystal clear after the storm passed.
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She made it crystal clear that she wasn’t interested.
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The new policy needs to be crystal clear to avoid confusion.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually an adjective phrase: “The instructions are crystal clear.” Also adverbially: “Explain it crystal clear” (more natural: “crystal clearly”). Can stand alone as a reply (“Crystal clear.”).
Synonyms
- perfectly clear
- abundantly clear
- plain as day
- transparent
- unmistakable
Antonyms
- unclear
- ambiguous
- confusing
- muddy