smooth over

verb

1. (tr) to ease or gloss over

   to smooth over a situation

Idioms and Phrases

Rid of obstructions or difficulties, as in We tried to smooth things over between the families before the wedding but did not succeed. [Late 1600s]

Example Sentences

Todd walked on stage with the diploma and Sheen — who had quickly donned a cap and gown — gave him a hug, his lifelong friend having effectively smoothed over one more rough patch in his life.

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First seen cycling his city’s streets day and night with a becalmed sense of ownership, Holland’s Roger is a die-hard Brooklynite none too happy with the smoothing over of his cherished neighborhoods by “obscene” money.

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"Mango diplomacy" is a familiar phrase across the subcontinent, where carefully chosen crates of the fruit can grease political deals, strengthen alliances or smooth over tense negotiations.

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It claimed the decision was down to the university vice-chancellor's desire to "smooth over" poor financial planning and decision making.

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Foster said there was no smoothing over of the situation needed before Nico agreed to become a Bruin but could not comment on the potential addition of any players from the transfer portal.

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Related Words

• arbitrate 
• clear up 
• eradicate 
• expedite 
• get rid of 
• harmonize 
• negotiate 
• resolve 
• settle 
• straighten out 
• unravel