let things calm down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let things calm down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that a situation should be allowed to settle or become less tense before taking further action or making decisions. Example: "After the heated discussion, I think we should let things calm down before we continue the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"But also the timing, when to let things calm down for a day or two before approaching guys.

Los Angeles Times

You may have to stay there for quite some time, to let things calm down.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Things calmed down, but not enough.

Los Angeles Times

"Things calmed down around 5pm," she said.

Vice

When things calmed down, they returned home.

Unicef

MS. RADDATZ: Let me -- let me calm down things here -- REP.

The New York Times

"I think it's in everybody's best interest that I really take care of this thing and let it calm down before I go back out".

The New York Times - Sports

"But let's calm down a little.

The New York Times

Let it calm down," Mr. Biden said.

The New York Times

"I'd just let him calm down and he would".

The New York Times

"But let's calm down a little bit now.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let things calm down" when you need to postpone a decision and to ensure that external factors don't influence your decision making process.

Common error

Don't use "let things calm down" as an excuse for inaction when immediate action is required. Sometimes, addressing a problem promptly is more effective than waiting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let things calm down" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression used to advise or suggest a course of action. It is meant to encourage patience and a temporary pause, allowing a situation to become less volatile or intense. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a usable and correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let things calm down" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to suggest a pause or de-escalation in a tense situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, and Wiki. While it is mostly neutral, remember that overuse is possible and the expression shouldn't become an excuse for inaction. Consider alternatives like "allow the situation to settle" or "give it time to cool off" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow the situation to settle

Focuses on the settling of a situation rather than the calming of emotions.

give it time to cool off

Implies a reduction in emotional intensity over time.

let the dust settle

Suggests a period of inactivity after a disturbance.

wait for the tension to ease

Specifically addresses the easing of tension in a situation.

allow a period of quiescence

A more formal way of suggesting a quiet period.

take a breather

Suggests a pause to allow for relaxation.

hold off until the situation stabilizes

Indicates waiting for stability before acting.

delay until tensions subside

Emphasizes the reduction of tension as a prerequisite for action.

refrain until the atmosphere improves

Focuses on improving the atmosphere before proceeding.

suspend activity until conditions normalize

Suggests a temporary suspension of activities until normalcy returns.

FAQs

How can I use "let things calm down" in a sentence?

You can use "let things calm down" to suggest waiting for a situation to become less tense before acting. For example, "After the argument, it's best to "let things calm down" before discussing it further."

What's the difference between "let things calm down" and "allow things to settle"?

"Let things calm down" often refers to emotional intensity decreasing, while "allow things to settle" suggests a situation becoming more stable or clear over time. The former is more about emotional states, and the latter is about situational clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "give it time to cool off" instead of "let things calm down"?

"Give it time to cool off" is best used when referring to heated emotions or disputes. "Let things calm down" can apply more broadly to any situation that needs a reduction in activity or tension.

Are there any situations where I shouldn't "let things calm down"?

Yes, in emergencies or situations requiring immediate action, waiting for things to calm down could be detrimental. It's important to assess the urgency of the situation and act accordingly rather than passively waiting.