smooth (somebody’s) ruffled feathers

US /smuːð ˈsʌm.bə.diz ˈrʌf.əld ˈfɛð.ərz/
UK /smuːð ˈsʌm.bə.diz ˈrʌf.əld ˈfɛð.ərz/
"smooth (somebody’s) ruffled feathers" picture
1.

to make someone feel less angry or upset

:
•
After the argument, he tried to smooth her ruffled feathers with an apology.
•
The manager had to intervene to smooth the ruffled feathers of the disgruntled employees.
:
ruffle someone's feathersrufflefeathersmoothcovert featherflight featherfeather boa