Clear up vs. free up

[Big Disney Fan]

What is the difference between the terms "clear up" and "free up"? Apparently, there is a big difference between the two, as most people often gravitate toward the latter while I gravitate toward the former.

Is there any difference between them? If so, what?

[littlefuzzy]

Stanley was miserable, thinking his zits would never clear up. - Free up wouldn't work there.


In order to install a new game, I need to free up some hard drive space. - Clear up would work as well (particularly as you are "clearing" space,) although it may seem awkward in some cases.