smooth sailing



smooth sailing

Easy progress, as in We had a hard time setting up the new computer system but it'll be smooth sailing from here on . The smooth in this idiom alludes to calm waters, free from big waves or roughness, a usage dating from the late 1300s. The transfer to other kinds of easy progress dates from the second half of the 1900s. Also see plain sailing.
See also: sailing, smooth

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Malene-Danish, Norwegian
Millaray-Native American, Mapuche
Panther-Ancient Greek
Wakanawah-kah-nahJapanese
EllieEL-eeEnglish
ColumbineKAHL-əm-bienEnglish (Rare)