Idiom Translator

How do you say “Clear the air” in Spanish?

The closest natural Spanish equivalent is Aclarar las cosas, which literally means “To clarify the things”. English speakers use clear the air to mean to discuss a problem openly so that tension or misunderstanding can end. Natural wording for discussing confusion or tension. It can also mean explaining facts without any disagreement. Register: neutral, informal. Usage frequency: common.

Closest natural Spanish

Aclarar las cosas

/aklaˈɾaɾ las ˈkosas/

Literal meaning
“To clarify the things”
Register
neutral, informal
How often it's used
common
Equivalence

Near-exact equivalent

90 out of 100

What a native Spanish speaker would actually say

English clears an unpleasant atmosphere. Spanish makes the situation clearer.

Both can introduce a difficult but useful conversation. The Spanish is broader, so mention the argument or misunderstanding when the emotional tension matters.

How close is the meaning?

  • Meaning5 out of 5
  • Tone4 out of 5
  • Context5 out of 5
  • Literal similarity2 out of 5

These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.

What are other ways to say it in Spanish?

  • Resolver un malentendido

    Literally: “To resolve a misunderstanding”

    Use when a mistaken understanding caused the tension.

  • Hablar para limar asperezas

    Literally: “To talk to file down roughnesses”

    Focuses on smoothing friction between people.

Common translation traps

  • Limpiar el aire

    This usually suggests removing pollution or smells rather than resolving a disagreement.

The notes above explain why these versions do not work in this context in Spanish.

In context

  • English

    We met for coffee to clear the air.

    Spanish

    Quedamos para tomar un café y aclarar las cosas.

  • English

    I think we need to clear the air after yesterday.

    Spanish

    Creo que necesitamos aclarar las cosas después de lo de ayer.

Related expressions

Last updated 2026-09-13