pour oil on troubled waters
Soothe a conflict
To pour oil on troubled waters is to calm a tense or volatile situation, typically through soothing words or diplomatic intervention.
The phrase comes from the ancient observation that oil spread on choppy water smooths the surface: She poured oil on troubled waters by acknowledging both sides had valid concerns.
The expression usually implies gentle mediation rather than forceful resolution.
- conciliateCalm hostile feelings
- clear the airDispel tension through discussion
- mediateFacilitate agreement between disputants
- appeaseSatisfy to restore calm
- settleReach final terms
bury the hatchet · pacify · soothe · mend fences · tact · placate · empathy · de-escalation · peacemaking · bridge-building · build bridges · compromise · diplomatic solution · trope · defuse · imagery · figurative speech · alleviate
pour oil on troubled watersadd fuel to the fire
Worsen an already tense situation
fan the flames · pour gasoline on the fire · stir up trouble · stoke the fire · make matters worse
pour oil on troubled waterssow discord
drive a wedge · polarize · divide and conquer · agitate · throw a spanner in the works
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