clear the air

Idioms

Eliminate confusion, dispel controversy or emotional tension, as in His letter has cleared the air; we now know where he stands. This idiom alludes to an atmosphere cleared of sultriness by a storm. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has spoken to Trump to try to clear the air over his earlier criticism of the war, according to a German official.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

Solis hoped to clear the air on the topic once and for all, and move forward from the social media rumors.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

Engelbert and Collier were supposed to have a meeting to clear the air.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

Sometimes getting thrashed like that can have a positive effect on a team, and clear the air.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2025

I headed to the library for a moment alone with Stephanie to clear the air before the mascot meeting started.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023