direct is DIRECT
Direct means Direct -- All ATC has done is tell you that you are no longer on an ATC assigned heading. If you are on a WX deviation then US ATC may tell you "cleared direct (fix) when clear of weather". Then it is up to you to decide when that is appropriate. U.S. ATC may also ask the pilot to "advise when able to proceed on course" or "advise when clear of weather" and then issue a reroute clearance.