smooth over

make a problem or disagreement seem less serious

C1

What does "smooth sth over" mean?

To smooth over a problem or disagreement means to make it appear less serious or damaging — typically through careful words, diplomacy, or tact — without necessarily resolving the underlying cause. The phrase carries a subtle implication of superficiality: the tension or conflict is reduced on the surface, but the root issue may still be there. It is often used to describe the actions of someone in a position of authority or influence, such as a diplomat, manager, or mediator, who steps in to defuse a difficult situation. In more formal contexts — journalism, politics, business — you will often see it paired with words like tensions, differences, divisions, or a rift. The slightly more informal fixed phrase 'smooth things over' appears in everyday interpersonal situations, such as patching up a falling-out between friends or family members.

Examples

How to use it

smooth over + problem/tension/disagreement

The most common pattern, used in formal and semi-formal contexts with a specific noun naming the tension or conflict.

The ambassador worked hard to smooth over the tensions that had arisen after the summit collapsed.

smooth things over

A near-fixed expression used when the specific problem does not need to be named, common in informal and interpersonal contexts.

After the argument at dinner, she called him the next morning to try to smooth things over.

smooth + object + over

The separated form works naturally with short noun phrases or pronouns, often when the object has already been mentioned.

There was an awkward exchange during the meeting, but the chair managed to smooth it over quickly.

be smoothed over

The passive is natural, especially in journalistic or formal writing when focusing on the situation rather than who managed it.

The divisions within the coalition were smoothed over ahead of the election, though analysts doubted they had truly gone away.

attempt/try to smooth over + problem

Frequently used with verbs like 'try' or 'attempt', often implying that the effort may be only partially successful.

The CEO's statement was clearly an attempt to smooth over the controversy surrounding the company's data practices.

Common Collocations

smooth over tensionssmooth over differencessmooth over a disputesmooth things oversmooth over the crackssmooth over a rift

Common Mistakes

Confusing 'smooth over' with 'iron out'

'Iron out' means to actually resolve or fix a problem through discussion, whereas 'smooth over' means to make it seem less serious without necessarily fixing the root cause. Using 'smooth over' when you mean a complete resolution can sound misleading or unintentionally cynical.

✗ The two departments smoothed over their budget disagreement and reached a permanent solution.
✓ The two departments ironed out their budget disagreement and reached a permanent solution.
Separating with a long noun phrase

When the object is a long or complex noun phrase, placing it between 'smooth' and 'over' sounds unnatural. Keep the object after 'over' in these cases.

✗ She tried to smooth the deep-seated resentment that had been building for years over.
✓ She tried to smooth over the deep-seated resentment that had been building for years.
Using the present continuous for general tendencies

'Smooth over' sounds unnatural in the present continuous unless you are describing an active, ongoing effort at a specific moment. For general patterns or habitual behaviour, use the present simple instead.

✗ Politicians are always smoothing over their internal disagreements before elections.
✓ Politicians always smooth over their internal disagreements before elections.

Usage

This phrasal verb is more formal and common in journalism, politics, and business contexts. 'Smooth things over' is slightly more informal and works in everyday interpersonal situations like family or friendship disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'smooth over' mean the problem is actually fixed?

Not necessarily — in fact, the phrase often implies the opposite. When you smooth over a problem, you reduce its apparent severity or defuse the immediate tension, but the underlying cause may still be there. This is one of the key things that makes it different from verbs like 'resolve' or 'iron out'.

What kinds of things can you 'smooth over'?

The most natural objects are interpersonal or institutional tensions: differences, divisions, a rift, a dispute, tensions, an awkward situation, or a misunderstanding. The expression 'smooth things over' is used when you want to speak more generally without naming the specific problem. You would not use it for physical objects or abstract concepts unrelated to conflict or tension.

Is 'smooth over' more formal or informal?

It leans towards formal and semi-formal use — it appears frequently in political journalism, diplomatic reporting, and business contexts. However, the fixed expression 'smooth things over' is noticeably more casual and works well in everyday conversations about friendships, family disputes, or workplace relationships.

Can 'smooth over' be used in the passive?

Yes, the passive is quite natural and fairly common, especially in formal or journalistic writing. It works well when you want to focus on the situation that was managed rather than the person who managed it, for example: 'The differences were smoothed over during closed-door talks.'

Who typically does the 'smoothing over'?

The agent is often someone with authority, influence, or a mediating role — a diplomat, manager, chair, mediator, or spokesperson. In more personal contexts, it can be a friend, family member, or colleague trying to ease friction between others. The verb strongly suggests an active, deliberate effort rather than something that happens on its own.

Ready to practise?

Practise 1,000+ English phrasal verbs with interactive gap-fill exercises.

Start Practising →