English idiom

let the dust settle

Register · Neutral 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

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

hold your horses

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

sleep on it

to delay a decision until the next day

cool as a cucumber

very calm and composed, especially under pressure

get one's thoughts together

to calm down and organize your thinking before acting or speaking

keep the peace

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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