clearing the air
Addressing unspoken issues
Clearing the air is resolving tension or misunderstanding through open conversation.
After conflict or awkwardness, people clear the air by addressing what's been left unsaid: We need to talk and clear the air between us.
The metaphor suggests dispelling something stale or oppressive, like opening a window.
- clarityState of being understandable
- reliefEasing of distress
- honestyTruthfulness, sincerity
- heart to heartCandid intimate discussion
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
honest conversation · open dialogue · catharsis · truth · laying cards on the table · reconciliation · burying the hatchet · sigh · apology · peace offering · release · make amends · harmony · freshening · forgiveness · fresh start · breath · ventilation
- reconciliationreconciliation, reconcile, reconciled, reconciling, making up
- vulnerabilityvulnerability, vulnerable, defenselessness, defenseless, helplessness
clearing the airsweeping under the rug
burying one's head in the sand · brushing aside · papering over · sidestepping · tiptoeing around
clearing the airmuddying the waters
obfuscating · beating around the bush · covering up · dissembling · keeping secrets
clearing the airfanning the flames
Worsening a volatile situation
adding fuel to the fire · poisoning the well · stirring the pot · muddying the waters · making things worse
clear, clearing, clears, cleared, clearer, clearest, clearly, clearness, clearance