the dust settles

the dust settles

Usually preceded by "when" or "after."
1. Literally, the dust stirred up by some activity is no longer in the air. The phrase is often preceded by "when" or "after." We should only start painting when the dust settles after construction is finished.
2. Things return to normal after a period of excitement, a high level of activity, etc. The phrase is often preceded by "when" or "after." I promise to take you to the park after the dust settles and work isn't so hectic.
See also: dust, settle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the dust settles

or

the dust clears

COMMON If the dust settles or the dust clears after an argument, a problem or a big change, the situation becomes calmer. Now that the dust has settled, it is clear that nothing much has changed. When the dust cleared from Tuesday's election, Washington state found itself leading the nation in the number of women elected.
See also: dust, settle
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

the dust settles

things quieten down.
1998 New Scientist The dust is settling on the chaos which ensued when the French sold 110,000 tickets to the World Cup football matches by phone.
See also: dust, settle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • after/when the dust settles
  • at a stretch
  • even better
  • better things to do
  • OTOH
  • the bottom drops out of the market
  • the bottom drops/falls out of the market
  • the bottom falls out of the market
  • devil take the hindmost
  • devil take the hindmost, the
References in classic literature
There, now you can finish as soon as the dust settles; I must go do my stairs," and Phebe trudged away with the broom, singing as she went.
"When the dust settles at the end of the week I'll start to realise what I've achieved.
What's known so far is that when the dust settles on a surface, it usually doesn't stay long due to a phenomenon labeled as "dust clearing." With this information, NASA scientists can use the Insight lander like a "(https://bgr.com/2019/02/20/mars-weather-reports-nasa-insight/) weather machine " to help them understand more about the planet's exceptionally strong winds and how much dust it can actually move.
He thinks shareholders will be left with a run rate on earnings and cash flow that is "well below an expectation that remains too optimistic." GE stock was never priced for a liquidity situation, and while drawing down bank lines and making moves to bring cash suggest there is an eye toward liquidity, this remains more about what is left when the dust settles as the company drives towards a more sustainable capital structure, says Tusa.
"Once The Dust Settles" is an art concept that includes an installation, a portrait booth and a live show that will take place in Al Aali Mall on the weekends of January 18, 19, 25 and 26.
Karim Jabbari stated "I am very excited to introduce "Once the Dust Settles" in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and I am thankful to Al Aali Mall for allowing me to demonstrate a concept that is so dear to me.
All they want to do is take over once the dust settles and then they can say that good old Scottish expression: "It wisnae me.
Further, officials have been told to mop up the water once a day so that the dust settles. They have also been instructed to spray water on tree leaves.
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael need to put their heads down and make Government work until the dust settles on Brexit.
Even before the dust settles, some leaders want Kenyans to have a referendum.
"Once the dust settles we will look at the situation and speak to him and see how we move forward.
However, as the dust settles following the referendum, market experts, industry analysts and businesses are assessing the position with cooler heads and so, whilst certainty may be a little way off, more concrete predictions and assertions of intent are beginning to emerge.
AS the dust settles, and the political parties in the National Assembly reflect on the election result, I personally urge Jonathan Evans, (Party Chairman) and the Conservative Group in the Assembly to give Andrew RT Davies a vote of confidence.
I'm sure everyone at United is still smarting at their Champions League exit - but when the dust settles I'd be looking for Van Gaal to target the Europa League as an attainable target.
I hope that after the dust settles, there will be a greater awareness to maintain cleanliness throughout the city.