expression
the heat is off; things calm down; excitement dies down
Idiomatic expression meaning that a heated situation, public uproar, or intense interest has subsided. Often used when media attention or public anger fades.
あの事件も、ほとぼりが冷めるまで待ったほうがいい。
It's better to wait until the heat dies down over that incident.
騒動のほとぼりが冷めてから、彼は再び公の場に現れた。
After the excitement over the scandal died down, he appeared in public again.
ほとぼり (熱り) originally refers to lingering heat or warmth. Combined with 冷める (to cool down), the phrase figuratively means that residual heat—such as public anger or excitement—has subsided.