Crossword Genius

Empty the American packs ready for action (5,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clear the decks

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ready for action' is the definition.
'clear the decks' can be an answer for 'ready' (thesaurus). I am unsure of the 'for action' bit.

'empty the american packs' is the wordplay.
'empty' becomes 'clear' (I've seen this before).
'american packs' becomes 'decks' (deck is a kind of pack. I am not sure about the 'american' bit.).
'clear'+'the'+'decks'='CLEAR THE DECKS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clear the decks that I've seen before include "Get ready for action" , "Get shipshape - prepare for action" , "Prepare for something by dealing first with matters outstanding" , "Prepare for action - these crackled (anag)" , "prepare for new action" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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