Synonyms

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.

Last week’s Group of 7 Summit in France was a chance to clear the air.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 27, 2026

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

Overnight, smoke from the Santa Rosa Island and Sandy fires is expected to come onshore, settling over the coast with little wind to clear the air.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

They clear the air and rekindle their spark during a “Before Sunrise”-esque day together.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 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