smooth over smooth over {v.} To make something seem better or more pleasant; try to excuse. Bill tried to smooth over his argument with Mary by making her laugh. Syn.: GLOSS OVER. Compare: PATCH UP. Categories: add yours {v.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 » In RussianTo section: S Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Add my comment