settle (redirected from settling affairs)

the dust settles

if the dust settles after an argument, a problem, or an event which has caused a lot of changes, the situation becomes calmer. We decided to let the dust settle before trying to deal with any other problems. You'd better wait until the dust settles before you mention anything else.

See also: dust

settle a score

to harm someone who has harmed you in the past. Police believe the killer was a gang member settling a score with a rival gang. (often + with)

See also: score

settle old scores

settle a score - to harm someone who has harmed you in the past. She used her farewell speech to settle some old scores with her opponents. (often + with)

See also: old, score

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settle a score

to punish someone because they have done something to hurt you in the past. Muhammad Ali was eager to settle a score with Joe Frazier. After losing the race for mayor four years ago, running again this year was partly a matter of settling old scores.

Usage notes: often used in the form have a score to settle: The family was mistreated, and they have a score to settle with the government. edited at settle & trf to score; too few cites for "settle the score" to bother with--SL, 9/02

get even (with someone)

See also: score

settle (someone) down

to get someone to behave more calmly. He was so upset that one of his brothers had to settle him down.

Usage notes: often used as an order: OK, class, settle down.

See also: down

settle down

to accept responsibilities and behave in a more regular way than you have in the past. Larry met his wife in San Antonio, where they have settled down and started a family.

See also: down

settle down to something

to give something all of your attention. I settled down to read about the festival and what I could do there.

Usage notes: often said about a meal: After work, we all settle down to a home-cooked dinner.

See also: down

settle for something

to agree to or accept something, although it is not exactly what you want. Patients will have to settle for fewer tests because rising costs have made them too expensive.

settle in

to begin to feel comfortable in a new place. When you start college, it takes a few weeks to settle in.

settle into something

to become comfortable in a new place or situation. Catherine had settled into their booth and was reading her menu. We settle into a routine of early morning workouts followed by lectures. The space shuttle settled into a 184-mile-high orbit.

settle old scoresSee: settle a score

See also: old, score

settle on something

to make a decision or come to an agreement about something. My parents finally settled on my punishment — I would use my summer wages to pay for the repairs. The two sides have not yet settled on a price.

settle your stomach

to make your stomach feel less upset. She found that a cup of tea usually settled her stomach.

See also: stomach

when the dust settles

after an activity stops. We always believed that when the dust settled, the court would rule in our favor.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form until the dust settles: You meet lots of people when you travel on business, and until the dust settles, you don't know what you've actually accomplished.

See also: dust