smooth out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To make something level, even, or free of irregularities: The primary meaning is to remove bumps, wrinkles, or rough areas from a surface.
- To make a process easier or to resolve difficulties: To eliminate problems or obstacles, facilitating progress.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- She used an iron to smooth out the wrinkles in her shirt.
- The carpenter sanded the wood to smooth out its rough surface.
- The manager helped smooth out the disagreements between the two teams.
- A new policy was introduced to smooth out the transition to the updated software.
Advanced Usage
- "to smooth out differences": to reconcile disagreements or conflicts.
- The mediator's role was to smooth out the differences between the negotiating parties.
- "to smooth out the process": to streamline or remove inefficiencies from a procedure.
- We need to smooth out the application process for our customers.
Variants and Related Words
- Smooth (verb): To make something smooth. (e.g., )
- Smoother (noun): A tool or substance used for smoothing.
- Smooth (adjective): Having a flat, even surface without lumps or indentations.
Synonyms
- Flatten: To make something flat or level.
- Even out: To make something uniform or consistent.
- Iron out: To resolve difficulties or disagreements (idiomatic, similar to the second definition).
- Facilitate: To make an action or process easier.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Smooth over: To make problems or disagreements seem less serious, often temporarily. (Note: This is a distinct phrasal verb with a nuanced meaning of minimizing issues rather than fully resolving them).
- He tried to smooth over the conflict with a joke, but the underlying issue remained.
Related Idioms
- Smooth sailing: A situation that is easy and free from problems. (This idiom relates to the result of having "smoothed out" difficulties).
- After we resolved the initial bugs, the project was smooth sailing.
Verb
- free from obstructions
- smooth the way towards peace negotiations