when the dust settles

when the dust settles 

1. Lit. when the dust falls out of the air. When the dust settles, we will have to begin sweeping it up.

2. . Fig. when things have calmed down. When the dust settles, we can start patching up all the hurt feelings.

See also: dust, settle

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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, settle