smooth over
smooth over
1. To make a surface smooth, flat, or even by filling in or covering cracks or blemishes. A noun or pronoun can be used between "smooth" and "over." We'll need to smooth over the wall with plaster before we can start painting. It's about time they smoothed this road over—it's been full of potholes for years!
2. To lessen tension, disagreement, anger, or other unpleasantries between two or more people. A noun or pronoun can be used between "smooth" and "over." Since I smoothed over my difference with the manager, work has been going much better. Jim's going over to try to smooth things over with Sandra.
See also: over, smooth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
smooth over
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]
See also: over, smooth
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
smooth over
v.
1. To fill or coat something so as to create a smooth surface: The builder smoothed over the seams in the sheetrock with plaster. For a healthy complexion, smooth some cold cream over your face before bed.
2. To make some strained relationship more friendly or amiable: The ambassador smoothed over relations with France. The two players almost got into a fight before the coach smoothed things over between them.
See also: over, smooth
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- smooth out
- smooth down
- paste down
- ruffle up
- buff up
- sand down
- pat down
- level down
- level out
- silky