THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Clear the air
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To remove bad feelings or misunderstandings between people, often by talking honestly.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Could we talk after class to clear the air about yesterday’s disagreement?
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Could we talk after class to ________ about yesterday’s disagreement?
Show the answer
Clear the air — To remove bad feelings or misunderstandings between people, often by talking honestly.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Clear the air” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To remove bad feelings or misunderstandings between people, often by talking honestly.
Compare: Could we talk after class to clear the air about yesterday’s disagreement?
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression after tension, an argument or a misunderstanding. It suits a calm invitation to talk in friendships, families or work relationships.
More examples in context
- An honest conversation helped the two neighbours clear the air.
- We met before the next project to clear the air and agree how to work together.
Usage note
In this figurative meaning, air refers to the atmosphere between people. A discussion can clear the air without solving every practical problem. The phrase can also refer literally to making air fresher; context distinguishes the meanings.
A short conversation
A: Things have felt awkward since our meeting.
B: I agree. Could we talk and clear the air?
A: Yes. I want to explain what I meant.
One more practice question
Which action is intended to clear the air between friends?
A. Talking openly about a misunderstanding to reduce tension.
B. Avoiding each other while the misunderstanding continues.
Check your answer
A. An open conversation can remove bad feelings. Avoiding the issue while tension remains does not show that the air has been cleared.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.