Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

when-the-dust-settles

idiom

/wɛn ðə dʌst ˈsɛtəlz/

Definition

A phrase that refers to the time after a situation has become clearer or more stable, particularly after a chaotic or difficult event.

Examples

Let’s wait and see what happens when the dust settles after the election.
She decided to hold off on making any plans until the dust settles from the recent merger.
When the dust settles, we can assess the damage and come up with a solution.

Meaning

This expression suggests that one will wait until a situation calms down or becomes easier to understand before making decisions or drawing conclusions.