Let the dust settle
Let the dust settle
This idiom advises patience after a significant event, suggesting waiting for emotions and facts to clarify before acting.
This idiom advises patience after a significant event, suggesting waiting for emotions and facts to clarify before acting.The idiom 'let the dust settle' is a metaphorical expression advocating for patience and restraint following a significant event, upheaval, or change. It draws an analogy with waiting for the air to clear of dust after it has been disturbed, representing the need to give time for emotions to calm, for facts to become more evident, and for the outcomes of recent actions to manifest fully. This phrase emphasizes the wisdom of allowing situations to stabilize and for a clearer, more comprehensive understanding to develop, which in turn facilitates more informed, judicious decision-making or action-taking. It underscores the value of temporal distance in gaining perspective, thereby advocating for a period of observation and reflection before undertaking further commitments or conclusions.
The idiom 'let the dust settle' is a metaphorical expression advocating for patience and restraint following a significant event, upheaval, or change. It draws an analogy with waiting for the air to clear of dust after it has been disturbed, representing the need to give time for emotions to calm, for facts to become more evident, and for the outcomes of recent actions to manifest fully. This phrase emphasizes the wisdom of allowing situations to stabilize and for a clearer, more comprehensive understanding to develop, which in turn facilitates more informed, judicious decision-making or action-taking. It underscores the value of temporal distance in gaining perspective, thereby advocating for a period of observation and reflection before undertaking further commitments or conclusions.
Use cases
After the heated argument during the family reunion, Maria suggested everyone take a step back and let the dust settle before trying to reconcile their differences.
In the period after the company merger, the newly appointed CEO urged the staff to let the dust settle before making any major career decisions, to see how the new corporate structure would unfold.
Following a turbulent election, political analysts advised the public to let the dust settle and wait for all votes to be counted before jumping to conclusions about the outcome.
The community decided to let the dust settle after the festival before assessing its impact on local businesses, allowing time for a thorough evaluation of its benefits and drawbacks.
Amid rumors of a significant policy change at the university, the dean recommended students and faculty let the dust settle before reacting, ensuring that decisions were based on accurate information.
After a major sports event in the city, the organizers said it was crucial to let the dust settle, evaluating its success and areas of improvement with a clear mind.
Following the abrupt resignation of the company's CEO, the board of directors decided to let the dust settle before searching for a replacement, considering the long-term implications for the company's direction.
The financial advisor suggested his clients to let the dust settle in the stock market after a day of heavy losses, recommending a wait-and-see approach instead of making hasty transactions.
In the wake of a natural disaster, the local government asked residents to let the dust settle before beginning to rebuild, emphasizing the importance of safety and proper planning.
After the conclusion of a high-profile legal case, commentators on legal affairs proposed letting the dust settle before analyzing the broader implications for the justice system, to avoid premature judgments.
