smooth over

• 动词短语，指缓和问题、困难或分歧，使其显得不那么严重或更容易解决。

A phrasal verb used to indicate the act of making a problem, difficulty, or disagreement seem less serious or easier to deal with.

不可数 · 及物 · 短语动词，可分

1. Resolve a conflictinformal

   To make a problem or disagreement seem less serious or easier to deal with.

   缓和冲突

   • He tried to smooth over the argument with a joke.
   • The manager smoothed over the misunderstanding between the two employees.
   • She apologized to smooth over the hurt feelings.

   同义词appeaseclear upiron outmediatepatch upreconcileresolvesettlesoothestraighten out

   反义词aggravateinflameintensifyprovokeworsen

2. Make something appear betterinformal

   To make a situation or relationship appear more pleasant or less difficult than it really is.

   缓和

   • They smoothed over the financial issues with a temporary loan.
   • The politician smoothed over the scandal with a public apology.
   • He smoothed over the awkward moment by changing the subject.

   同义词cover updownplaygloss overpalliateplay downsugarcoatwhitewash

基本动词smooth