The phrase smooth over refers to the act of resolving a problem, easing tension, or making a situation more agreeable, typically by calming emotions or alleviating discomfort. When you smooth over a conflict or misunderstanding, you work to reduce its impact and make things appear more harmonious than they might feel beneath the surface. It’s often used in situations where there is a need to downplay a disagreement, issue, or uncomfortable situation, with the goal of restoring peace or avoiding escalation. In a professional context, smooth over can mean addressing problems discreetly and diplomatically to avoid negative outcomes. This phrase is commonly used in interpersonal relationships when one party seeks to calm another’s anger or anxiety, often by offering a reassurance, explanation, or compromise. However, smoothing over is typically seen as a temporary solution; while it may ease the immediate tension, it might not fully resolve the underlying issue. Nonetheless, it’s an important tool for maintaining harmony in difficult situations.
Sample Sentences
- She tried to smooth over the awkward situation by changing the topic.
- After the heated discussion, he quickly smoothed over the tension by apologizing.
- The manager’s role was to smooth over any issues between team members to ensure smooth operations.
- To smooth over the conflict, they agreed to a temporary solution while seeking a permanent fix.
- It took some time, but they managed to smooth over their differences and continue working together.
- His attempt to smooth over the problem failed when both parties refused to compromise.
- The diplomat worked hard to smooth over the strained relations between the two countries.
- She attempted to smooth over the issue by explaining the misunderstanding to her friend.
- The politician used his charm to smooth over the criticism from the public.
- It was clear that, despite their efforts, the issue wasn’t fully smoothed over and needed further attention.
Synonyms for “Smooth Over”
- Reconcile
- Settle
- Resolve
- Ease
- Mitigate
- Alleviate
- Calm
- Harmonize
- Rectify
- Address
Antonyms for “Smooth Over”
- Aggravate
- Escalate
- Exacerbate
- Complicate
- Intensify
- Worsen
- Inflame
- Heighten
- Stir up
- Disturb
Related Words and Expressions
Related Words:
- Reconcile
- Resolve
- Ease
- Settle
- Calm
- Mitigate
- Harmonize
- Alleviate
- Rectify
- Smooth
Phrasal Verbs:
- Smooth things over (to resolve a conflict or calm a situation)
- Smooth over the cracks (to make temporary fixes to avoid more significant problems)
- Smooth over differences (to reconcile opposing viewpoints or disagreements)
- Smooth over tension (to alleviate or reduce strain in a situation)
- Smooth over awkwardness (to ease discomfort in a conversation or situation)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Make peace (to reconcile or calm tensions)
- Bury the hatchet (to end a conflict or settle differences)
- Clear the air (to resolve misunderstandings and make things easier)
- Let bygones be bygones (to forgive and forget past issues)
- Cool the jets (to calm someone down and ease the situation)
