smooth down

smooth down

To cause something to lie and remain flat and smooth with or as with one's hand or hands. A noun or pronoun can be used between "smooth" and "down." I've been trying to smooth down my hair ever since I woke up, but this bed-head is just too stubborn! I got up off the bed after my nap and smoothed the sheets down.
See also: down, smooth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

smooth something down

to make something flat or smooth by pressing. she smoothed her skirt down, fluffed her hair, and went into the boardroom. Karen smoothed down the bedclothes.
See also: down, smooth
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • smooth out
  • smooth over
  • paste down
  • ruffle up
  • sand down
  • ream out
  • ream someone out
  • pat down
  • buff up
  • level down
References in periodicals archive
Finally, with your hair arranged in place, spritz with hairspray and smooth down."
But there was heartache for one contender, whose bid to claim the record for most t-shirts donned in three minutes was disallowed when officials ruled he had failed to smooth down all of the 59 shirts properly.
"Once the ponytail is in place, you can smooth down any fly-away fairs with a little more hairspray."
Dig out those pussycat bow blouses and smooth down the satin.
An in-salon treatment will smooth down the layers and strengthen brittle hair..
Maybe your parents can smooth down or cover any sharp spots with something like duct tape.
Starting at roots, use a boar-bristle paddle brush (Olivia Garden Supreme Brush, $15, Trade Secret) to smooth down waves.
The latter four are designed to smooth down and calm extremely dry, frizzy, uncontrollable hair.
Line up the first strip with the plumb line and smooth down the first section along the line, gently pushing paper into the corner and edges of the ceiling.
Continue to smooth down the comic with the spoon as you work.
For other patients whose instruments press teeth into soft inner tissues, a dentist can smooth down a tooth's rough edges.
Take tucks the way you want them, smooth down, and adhere.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, and smooth down. 4.
Hershesons pack of 75 grips, PS6 @ John Lewis Use a strong-hold spray to smooth down any flyaways around your face and to keep your knot in place.
Smooth down any flyaways and heat-styling static with a little serum or styling wax rubbed between the palms, and finish with a fine mist of shine spray.