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smooth things over

[/smuːð θɪŋz ˈoʊvər/]
verb phrase
aplanar as coisas; resolver uma situação tensa
1. To resolve a conflict or disagreement by using diplomacy, charm, or reconciliation; to make a tense situation more peaceful
After the argument, she tried to smooth things over by apologizing sincerely.
Depois da briga, ela tentou aplanar as coisas pedindo desculpas sinceras.
2. To make a difficult situation less problematic or uncomfortable through peaceful negotiation
The manager smoothed things over between the two conflicting employees.
O gerente resolveu a situação entre os dois funcionários em conflito.
NYC Slang
make it right; squash beef
Synonyms
patch things upmake peaceiron out differencessettle a disputereconcileheal a rift
Antonyms
stir up troubleexacerbateinflameworsen the situationrock the boat

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
aplanar as coisas; resolver a situação
Most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
acertar as coisas; normalizar a situação
Slightly more formal business context
Rio de Janeiro
dar um jeito; resolver
More colloquial, informal usage
Portugal
acertar as coisas; resolver o assunto
Similar to Brazilian usage but with slightly different emphasis

Related Idioms & Phrases

bury the hatchet
let bygones be bygones
extend an olive branch
pour oil on troubled waters
heal the wound
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