clears the air
Dispels lingering resentment
To clear the air is to dispel tension, confusion, or lingering resentment by addressing it directly.
After an argument or misunderstanding, a frank conversation clears the air: We finally talked about what happened, and it really cleared the air between us.
The metaphor suggests replacing stale, oppressive atmosphere with something fresh and breathable.
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- make amendsCompensate for wrongdoing
- clarityState of being understandable
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- open dialogueUnrestricted mutual communication
honest conversation · understanding · mediation · negotiation · discussion · fresh start · clean slate · renewal · catharsis · closure · come clean · heart-to-heart · get it off your chest · peace · ventilation · sincerity · explanation · empathy
clears the airbrushes aside
Rejects as unimportant
glosses over · turns a blind eye · kicks the can down the road · stonewalls · suppresses
clears the airconceals
Keeps from being seen
covers up · obfuscates · misleads · dissembles · beats around the bush
clears the airfans the flames
Intensifies existing conflict
adds fuel to the fire · leaves a bad taste · rubs salt in the wound · rocks the boat
clear, clears, cleared, clearing, clearance, clearly, unclear, clearer, clearest