Airdrie's Alan McManus conceded a free-kick 20 yards from goal after a foul on the advancing Alex Williams. Williams and team-mate Thomas Brighton hovered over the ball before Williams took the kick.
His shot was well struck, but may well have been covered by keeper Lee Hollis before the ball took a wicked deflection and flew into the net.
Airdrie's response was very low key and it took them almost until half time before they came close. Both Gary Twigg and Bryan Prunty had efforts that really should have put the home side ahead at the break. However, they missed those chances and were soon punished.
Clyde added a second after 62 minutes when Thomas Brighton carved through the home defence before drilling a low shot beneath keeper Hollis.
Four minutes later Clyde added a third. This time a great cross from Stephen O'Donnell was thrashed into the net from close range by Brighton.
Airdrie substitute Stephen McKeown was awarded a penalty when he had his ankle clipped as he shot for goal. McKeown took the kick and swept the ball easily past the keeper.
Three well deserved points for the visitors while the storm clouds are gathering over Airdrie.