SpeakUp

Grammar fix

clear the air

talk out tension

To talk openly about a problem so the bad feeling between people goes away.

expressionB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Can we sit down and clear the air? I don't want this hanging over us.after a disagreement
  • A: Things have been weird since the argument.
    B: I know — let's clear the air.
    two friends sorting things out

Fix the pattern

Pattern: clear the air (with someone) (about something)

WrongLet's clean the air about this.

RightLet's clear the air about this.

The fixed phrase is 'clear the air', not 'clean the air'.

Patternclear the air (with someone) (about something)

Don't confuse it

'Clear the air' is the honest conversation; 'make up' is the result of being friends again.

Try it in Daily Speak →