pouring oil on troubled waters
Soothing a conflict
Pouring oil on troubled waters is calming a tense situation or soothing conflict.
The image comes from the observation that oil spread on rough seas reduces wave action.
Someone who intervenes to settle a dispute or ease hostility is pouring oil on troubled waters: After the shouting match, she poured oil on troubled waters by suggesting a compromise.
- peacekeeperOne maintaining calm between rivals
- keeping the peaceMaintaining order and calm
- olive branchSymbol of reconciliation
- making peaceEnding hostilities between parties
- comfortingGiving emotional ease
reassuring · mediation · conciliator · negotiation · finding common ground · harmonizer · de-escalation · diplomacy · conflict management · pacifying · smooth over · bridge-builder · building bridges · defuse · clearing the air · dove · arbitration · compromise
pouring oil on troubled watersadding fuel to the fire
Intensifying existing tension
fanning the flames · pouring gasoline on the fire · making waves · stirring the pot · rocking the boat
pouring oil on troubled watersagitating
Disturbing or stirring up
inflaming · inciting · provoking · antagonizing · goading
pouring oil on troubled watersantagonizing
Deliberately causing hostility
needling · goading · baiting · throwing down the gauntlet · saber-rattling
poured, oilier, trouble, troubles, troubled, troubling, troublesome, waters, watered