Grammar fix
smooth over
ease tension (figurative)
to try to make a problem, disagreement, or bad feeling seem less serious or to make people feel less upset about it, often by talking or acting in a reassuring way
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She tried to smooth over the argument between her colleagues before the meeting started.
In situations where team members disagree, a good leader should be able to smooth over conflicts so the group can continue working effectively.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She smoothed the argument.
Say: She smoothed over the argument.
'Smooth OVER' a problem (or 'smooth things over') — don't drop 'over'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Smooth over' is the idiomatic verb for calming a disagreement; the paraphrase is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
smooth over + friction
- things
- the situation
- a disagreement
- any differences