pour oil on troubled waters

US /pɔr ɔɪl ɑn ˈtrʌb.əld ˈwɑ.tərz/
UK /pɔr ɔɪl ɑn ˈtrʌb.əld ˈwɑ.tərz/
"pour oil on troubled waters" picture
1.

to try to make people feel calmer and more friendly toward each other when there is a disagreement

:
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She always tries to pour oil on troubled waters during family arguments.
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The manager stepped in to pour oil on troubled waters after the heated debate.
:
calm things downsmooth things overmediateconciliatepacify
:
fish in troubled waterspourpour intotroubletroubledoilpour/throw cold water on