the dust settles
idiom
—used to talk about what happens when things become clear or calm after a period of change or confusion
I'll call you as soon as the dust settles from the move.
When the dust settled and the votes were recounted, she had won the election.
You should let the dust settle before you make any big decisions.
Examples of the dust settles in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When the dust settles on this moment of chaotic and rapid change, the international climate regime will look dramatically different with new alliances and international relationships.
—
Justin Worland, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
That is the most important question to monitor as the dust settles from the Chargers’ 16-3 playoff loss at the New England Patriots on Sunday night.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
But once the dust settles and some kind of settlement resolution has been reached, there's often confusion about what happens next.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025
Once the dust settles - and no one can say yet when that might be - investors with iron stomachs may want to tip toe in, some experts said.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the dust settles
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Justin Worland, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
That is the most important question to monitor as the dust settles from the Chargers’ 16-3 playoff loss at the New England Patriots on Sunday night.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
But once the dust settles and some kind of settlement resolution has been reached, there's often confusion about what happens next.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025
Once the dust settles - and no one can say yet when that might be - investors with iron stomachs may want to tip toe in, some experts said.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the dust settles
Cite this Entry
“The dust settles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20dust%20settles. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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