pour oil on troubled waters

• cast oil on troubled waters

From the ancient practice of pouring oil on the sea's waves to calm them.

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

pour oil on troubled waters (third-person singular simple present pours oil on troubled waters, present participle pouring oil on troubled waters, simple past and past participle poured oil on troubled waters)

1. (idiomatic) To calm, appease or quieten a person or situation.
   • 2013, Jane Cable, The Cheesemaker's House, page 95:

     I remember him taking umbrage when he thought I was doubting his grandmother's skills so I am quick to pour oil on troubled waters.

   Antonym: add fuel to the fire

• clear the air