smooth (somebody’s) ruffled feathers
US /smuːð ˈsʌm.bə.diz ˈrʌf.əld ˈfɛð.ərz/
UK /smuːð ˈsʌm.bə.diz ˈrʌf.əld ˈfɛð.ərz/
1.
平息某人的怒气, 安抚某人
to make someone feel less angry or upset
:
•
After the argument, he tried to smooth her ruffled feathers with an apology.
争吵过后，他试图用道歉来平息她的怒气。
•
The manager had to intervene to smooth the ruffled feathers of the disgruntled employees.
经理不得不介入，以平息心怀不满的员工的怒气。