English idiom · neutral · spoken & written · BrE & AmE

clear the air: meaning and examples

clear the air means discuss a problem openly to reduce tension.

Memory hook: Build a clear mental picture from “clear the air” and connect it to this meaning: discuss a problem openly to reduce tension.

How to use “clear the air”

Common mistake: Treat “clear the air” as a fixed expression. Notice its exact word order in the examples.

Learn it in context

This expression belongs to Lesson 20, where you can compare it with other idioms about conflict and practise it interactively.

Open the full lesson →

Related tools

Compare similar expressions