poured oil on troubled waters
Soothed the conflict
To pour oil on troubled waters is to calm a tense or volatile situation, often by speaking soothingly or mediating between disputing parties.
The image comes from the ancient observation that oil spread on rough seas dampens waves: She poured oil on troubled waters by acknowledging both sides had valid concerns.
- tactfulnessSkill in sensitive situations
- comfortingGiving emotional ease
- reassuringRestoring calm or confidence
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- biblical referencesCitations from holy scripture
calm the storm · negotiation · pacifying · keep the peace · soft power · de-escalation · consoling · mollifying · placating · clear the air · reconciliation · olive branch · diplomatic intervention · arbitration · compromise · bury the hatchet · folk wisdom · peacekeeping
poured oil on troubled watersadded fuel to the fire
Aggravated existing tensions
fanned the flames · made matters worse · stirred the pot · threw gasoline on the fire · poured gasoline on the fire
poured oil on troubled watersthrew a spanner in the works
Caused deliberate disruption
pour, pours, pouring, poured, oil, oils, oiled, oiling, oily