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“Clear to send” usually means that someone has permission or approval to proceed. In serial communications, CTS stands for “Clear to Send,” a signal described in a Siemens communications-module manual as indicating whether the communication partner may send data. The intended meaning depends on context.

What does “clear to send” mean in everyday use?

In ordinary conversation, “Are we clear to send?” can mean “Do we have approval to send this?” The item might be an email, document, announcement, or another message. This is plain-English usage, not a formal definition established across industries.

If the context is not obvious, say who must approve what before it is sent. For example: “Is the announcement approved for sending?” identifies both the decision and the item.

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What does CTS mean in serial communications?

In serial communications, CTS means Clear to Send. A Siemens manual for its CM PtP RS232 HF communications module describes the signal this way: “CTS set to "ON": Signals "clear to send" to the communication partner”. The manual says CTS OFF signals “Not clear to send.”

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That ON/OFF description belongs to the Siemens module documentation. It explains how that manual describes the signal; it should not be taken as a definition of how every device or protocol implements or labels flow control.

How can you tell which meaning is intended?

Context What is being sent? What “clear” indicates
Everyday or workplace conversation A message, document, announcement, or other item An approver or workflow has given permission to proceed
Serial communications Data A communications signal; the Siemens manual describes CTS ON as signaling that the partner is clear to send

If you see “CTS” alongside serial-communications settings or documentation, it is likely the signal. In a conversation about a draft or announcement, it is more likely an informal request for approval.

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How should you use the phrase in a workplace message?

Make the request easy to act on: name what needs approval, identify who should approve it, and state any deadline. GOV.UK guidance for writing emails and text messages advises: “Don’t use jargon or acronyms without explanation.” For a general audience, write “clear to send” in full the first time you use it; use CTS only when the technical context is clear.

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For example, “Please confirm by 3 p.m. whether the customer update is approved to send” is more explicit than “Are we clear to send?”

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