smooth (somebody’s) ruffled feathers
US /smuːð ˈsʌm.bə.diz ˈrʌf.əld ˈfɛð.ərz/
UK /smuːð ˈsʌm.bə.diz ˈrʌf.əld ˈfɛð.ərz/
1.
calmer les esprits, apaiser quelqu'un
to make someone feel less angry or upset
:
•
After the argument, he tried to smooth her ruffled feathers with an apology.
Après la dispute, il a essayé de calmer ses esprits avec des excuses.
•
The manager had to intervene to smooth the ruffled feathers of the disgruntled employees.
Le manager a dû intervenir pour calmer les esprits des employés mécontents.