when the dust has settled

when the dust has settled

When things have become more calm or stable; when the consequences (of something) have become known or manageable. I know things have been really hectic during this project, so let's all take a bit of a break and return to it when the dust has settled. Lots of people opposed the gay marriage legislation, but when the dust has settled, I hope they'll see that there was no reason to be afraid of it.See also: dust, settle

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.See also: dust, settle

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

when the dust has settled

Also, after or once the dust settles . When matters have calmed down, as in The merger is complete, and when the dust has settled we can start on new projects. This idiom uses dust in the sense of "turmoil" or "commotion," a usage dating from the first half of the 1800s. See also: dust, settle