Smooth Over (Verb)
Meaning
Treat hurriedly or avoid dealing with properly.
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The manager tried to smooth over the controversy by releasing a vague statement to the press.
- He attempted to smooth over his daughter's hurt feelings by explaining why he had missed her recital.
- The politician hoped that her apology would smooth over the backlash from the opposition party.
- After making the mistake, the new employee tried to smooth over the error by quickly fixing it before anyone noticed.
- She smoothed over the tension at the meeting by suggesting a break to allow everyone to calm down.