after/when the dust settles
after the dust settles
1. Literally, once the dust stirred up by some activity is no longer in the air. We should only start painting after the dust settles and the construction is finished.
2. Once things return to normal after a period of excitement, a high level of activity, etc. I promise to take you to the park after the dust settles and work isn't so hectic.
when the dust settles
1. Literally, once the dust stirred up by some activity is no longer in the air. We should only start painting when the dust settles after construction is finished.
2. Once things return to normal after a period of excitement, a high level of activity, etc. I promise to take you to the park when the dust settles and work isn't so hectic.
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.