Phrase guide

clear the air

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To assuage a hostile or uncomfortable situation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: add fuel to the fire

2

verb

Meaning 2

dispel differences or negative emotions

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The group called a meeting to finally clear the air

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: chase away, drive out, turn back, drive away, dispel, drive off, run off

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: puhdistaa ilmapiiriä — to assuage a hostile situation
  • Finnish: puhdistaa ilmaa — to assuage a hostile situation
  • French: crever l'abcès — to assuage a hostile situation
  • French: mettre les choses au clair — to assuage a hostile situation
  • French: détendre l'atmosphère — to assuage a hostile situation
  • Polish: oczyszczać atmosferę — to assuage a hostile situation
  • Polish: oczyścić atmosferę — to assuage a hostile situation
  • Russian: разряди́ть атмосфе́ру (razrjadítʹ atmosféru) — to assuage a hostile situation
  • Spanish: apaciguar los ánimos — to assuage a hostile situation
  • Spanish: templar gaitas — to assuage a hostile situation
  • Spanish: aclarar las cosas — to assuage a hostile situation
  • Swedish: rensa luften — to assuage a hostile situation