pour oil on troubled waters

English

Alternative forms

• cast oil on troubled waters

Etymology

From the ancient practice of pouring oil on the sea's waves to calm them.

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU):

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Verb

pour oil on troubled waters

1. (idiomatic) To calm, appease or quieten a person or situation.
   • 2013, Jane Cable, The Cheesemaker's House (page 95)

     I remember him taking umbrage when he thought I was doubting his grandmother's skills so I am quick to pour oil on troubled waters.

Translations

calm, appease or quieten

• Finnish: valaa öljyä laineille
• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Spanish: templar gaitas