klar wie Kloßbrühe

German

Etymology

Literally, “as clear as dumpling broth”. Attested since the earlier 19th century, at first mostly in Berlin. Said to be an alteration of *klar wie Klosterbrühe (“clear as cloister broth”), that is a thin broth served at convents or monasteries (either to the religious themselves or to the poor fed by them). While this may be plausible, no such form is attested, and even the word Klosterbrühe as such seems very rare outside etymological explanations. It may thus be merely a humorous alliteration, playing on the notion that broth is usually not particularly clear.

Simile

klar wie Kloßbrühe

1. (informal, humorous) clear as day, crystal clear

   Synonyms: klar wie Klärchen, glasklar, sonnenklar