clear blue water

English

Etymology

Introduced by the Conservative Party in the 1990s.

Noun

clear blue water (uncountable)

1. (idiomatic, especially UK politics) An obvious, unambiguous divide between the policies of two parties.
   • 2002, Anthony Forster, Euroscepticism in Contemporary British Politics, page 27:

     It was the Conservatives' policy, designed in part to put some clear blue water between themselves and Labour and to refresh Conservative Party ideas.

   • 2010, Proud To Be Flesh:

     But, Boyle's admission does put clear blue water between CC and the autonomist politics of another notorious commons enthusiast, Peter Linebaugh, who is also included in this chapter.

   • 2011, Martin H. M. Steven, Christianity and Party Politics: Keeping the Faith, page 62:

     […] the Conservatives can still create clear blue water between them and Labour by showing how they prioritise the family over the State.

   • 2011, Chris Mullin, A Walk-On Part:

     I was of the view that there ought to be clear blue water between us and the Tories on this issue.

   • 2023 February 8, Sir Michael Holden, “Comment: Boom or bust: time to decide”, in RAIL, number 976, page 3:

     Sitting on the bottom of both league tables - with clear blue water between it and the next worst operator - is Avanti West Coast.

See also

• daylight (emotional or psychological distance, or disagreement; usually in the expression put daylight between oneself and someone)