let the dust settle

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

To wait until a confusing or troubled situation becomes calm before acting.

Why this phrase?

Stirred-up dust must fall before you can see clearly.

Example

“Let's let the dust settle after the merger before making new plans.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

cross that bridge when you come to it Neutral · CEFR B2

To deal with a problem only when it actually arises, not before.

hold your horses Informal · CEFR B1

Used to tell someone to wait or slow down before acting.

sleep on it Neutral · CEFR B1

to delay a decision until the next day

cool as a cucumber Informal · CEFR B2

very calm and composed, especially under pressure

get one's thoughts together Informal · CEFR B2

to calm down and organize your thinking before acting or speaking

keep the peace Neutral · CEFR B2

to prevent conflict and maintain calm between people or groups

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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