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to clear the air
01
to have an open conversation with someone to resolve the negative feelings with them that are caused by disagreements or misunderstandings
What is the origin of the idiom "clear the air" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "clear the air" is rooted in the literal concept of freshening or purifying the atmosphere. In ancient times, people believed that bad air, often associated with disease or unpleasant odors, could lead to illness. Therefore, the idea of clearing or freshening the air became symbolic of restoring a healthy or harmonious environment. It is often employed in personal relationships, workplace environments, or even during group discussions and meetings.
Example
After their argument, they decided to clear the air by sitting down and discussing their differences.
We cleared the air after our disagreement yesterday.
In the office, the manager called a staff meeting to clear the air and address any concerns or grievances.
Before the presentation, he will clear the air about the project's progress.
The team held a meeting to clear the air about the recent project delays and improve collaboration.
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