cleared the air
Addressed lingering issues
To clear the air is to resolve tension or dispel misunderstanding through direct communication.
After conflict or awkwardness, an honest conversation clears the air: We finally talked about what happened, and it really cleared the air between us.
The metaphor suggests replacing a stuffy or poisoned atmosphere with something fresh and breathable.
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
- come cleanAdmit the full truth
- releaseTo let go
- open dialogueUnrestricted mutual communication
- clarifyMake something understandable
talk it out · honest conversation · calm · reconciliation · buried the hatchet · catharsis · transparency · mend fences · olive branch · heart-to-heart · get it off your chest · understanding · peace · closure · let it go · fresh start · empathy · breath
cleared the airmuddied the waters
fanned the flames · added fuel to the fire · added insult to injury · rubbed salt in the wound · drove a wedge between
cleared the airbeat around the bush
Avoid stating directly
buried one's head in the sand · stonewalled · played dumb · clammed up
clear, cleared, clearing, clears, clearer, clearest, clearly, clearness, clearance