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Synonyms

clear the air

Idioms  
  1. 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

Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel called up White as a replacement for injured Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah and said he must "clear the air" with his England team-mates.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 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

No sooner does the exhaust from their trucks clear the air than the commandant starts shouting.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper

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