Use it when a rival backs out, making it easier for someone else to succeed. After the leading company withdrew their product, it left the field clear for the smaller startups.
Pro Tip 2/3
No Obstacles
Implies that any obstructions to success have been removed for the person or group. With the last legal hurdle gone, it left the field clear for her groundbreaking research.
Pro Tip 3/3
Easy Path
Indicates an opportunity has arisen because someone else has cleared any difficulties away. His teammates' hard work left the field clear for him to score the winning goal.