wait for the dust to settle
To let a situation calm down, become clear or certain, before taking any action.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I will wait for the dust to settle before I decide.”
“After the company announced major changes, the staff decided to wait for the dust to settle before applying for new roles.”
“In the wake of the sudden political scandal, the investors chose to wait for the dust to settle rather than making any hasty decisions regarding their portfolios.”
- 01
beat the dust
To perform curvets too precipitately or too low.
- 02
bite the dust
To die.
- 03
bust the dust
To clean dust off something, such as with a vacuum cleaner.
- 04
can't wait
To eagerly anticipate; to find it hard to wait for a forthcoming pleasurable event.
- 05
catch dust
To be rarely used.
- 06
collect dust
To remain untouched and unused for a long period of time.
- 07
done and dusted
Completed thoroughly and satisfactorily.
- 08
dust mouse
A dust bunny.
Last updated August 10, 2026