smooth over

British  

verb

1. (tr) to ease or gloss over

   to smooth over a situation

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smooth over Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

He has sought to smooth over tensions with conservative Catholics that flared under Francis’ reign, threatening the unity of the church.

From The Wall Street Journal

The disagreement between BC and Alberta is part of a longstanding clash that successive federal governments have struggled to smooth over.

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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