Clear the air

Meaning

The idiom "clear the air" means to remove any misunderstandings, conflicts or negative feelings that exist between people or groups. It can also mean to open up a conversation or to address a difficult issue directly.

Usage

• After their argument, they decided to clear the air and talk about how they felt.
• The new CEO's leadership style has helped clear the air in the company.
• We need to clear the air with our family before we can move forward.
• The judge cleared the air by stating his decision clearly.
• Our team needs to clear the air with our clients about the project timeline.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the 16th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of blowing smoke into a room to cleanse it of bad smells or negative energy. Another theory suggests that it comes from the practice of clearing the ground before planting crops, which symbolizes removing obstacles or difficulties.

Synonyms in English

• Clarify
• Resolve
• Address
• Settle
• Elucidate

Synonyms in other languages

• French - Clarifier
• Spanish - Clarecer
• German - Aufklärung
• Italian - Chiudere le cose
• Japanese - 練習 (shūjō)

Similar Idioms

• cut somebody some slack

• cock and bull story

• cut from the same cloth