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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

clear the air

Allow us to clear the air: Canada has reported about 3,500 wildfires so far this year, which is in line with recent historical averages.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 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

Leo kept thinking he should bring it up, just to clear the air, but the timing never seemed right.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan