verb phrase🎓 English idiom

clear the air

to resolve a misunderstanding

What it means

To clear the air means to resolve a misunderstanding or release built-up tension by discussing it openly and honestly. It's used when an awkward or unspoken conflict needs an honest conversation so everyone can move forward.

Examples

  • Let's sit down and clear the air before this small disagreement gets worse.
  • After their argument, a long talk finally cleared the air between them.
  • I think we need to clear the air about what happened at the meeting.
  • A team-building day helped clear the air after months of quiet tension.

Where it comes from

The expression draws on the literal image of a storm or fresh wind clearing a stuffy, oppressive atmosphere, leaving the air feeling lighter afterward.

Related idioms

#bury the hatchet#break the ice#water under the bridge#see eye to eye

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