# dust settles

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dust-settles
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A heated, angry, or confused atmosphere calms down.

## Examples

- Let's talk after the dust settles.
- The office was chaotic after the merger, but we decided to wait until the dust settles before making any big changes.
- Once the dust settles on this intense political debate, the public will likely have a clearer understanding of the new policies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.