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smooth over

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smooth over something

also smooth something over

to make problems seem less serious He's on a three-day visit to smooth over a crisis. They failed to agree on the main issue, and he certainly wasn't going to ignore it or try to smooth it over.

See also: smooth

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: smooth

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: smooth