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

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

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