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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

"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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Nico’s decision to join the Bruins signals that whatever hard feelings emerged from his brother’s situation have been smoothed over between the team and the Iamaleava family.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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