B2idiomcommunicationIELTS-friendly
clear the air
USUK
to talk openly about a problem or disagreement to end bad feelings
Used after arguments, rumours or tension. Compare 'bury the hatchet', which is about agreeing to forget an old quarrel. US 'rumors'.
In context
After the argument, the two sisters met for coffee to clear the air.
A short meeting with the whole team helped to clear the air.
More idioms about communication
- a bone of contentiona subject that people keep arguing about
- a broken recordsomeone who keeps repeating the same thing in an annoying way
- a heart-to-heartan honest, private conversation about personal feelings
- a moot pointUK: a question still open to argument. US: a question that no longer matters in practice.
- a red herringa fact or idea that takes attention away from the real issue