Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "smooth over" has two main uses: (1) resolving a problem or disagreement, often by calming people down or making it seem less serious; (2) physically making a surface smooth. The first meaning is more common and useful for learners.
To make a problem, argument, or difficult situation seem less serious or to resolve it, often by talking to people and calming them down.
He tried to smooth over the argument. · She smoothed things over with her boss after the mistake. · We need to smooth over this misunderstanding.
To make a surface even, flat, or free from roughness, often by spreading or pressing something.
Smooth over the icing on the cake. · He smoothed over the dirt with a rake. · She smoothed over the tablecloth.
General verb for leveling or smoothing a surface, such as soil, sand, or wrinkles. Can be used for both literal and figurative smoothing.
Do not translate "smooth over" literally as 滑らかにする (to make smooth) when talking about resolving problems. That would sound unnatural. Use the idiomatic phrases listed under the first meaning instead.
丸く収める is the most general and common for smoothing over a conflict yourself. 取り成す implies someone else (often a third party) mediates or intercedes to smooth things over, and is slightly more formal.
He smoothed things over on the spot.
It's tough to smooth over a fight.
Means to mediate or intercede to smooth over a situation, often by acting as a go-between. Slightly more formal than 丸く収める.
My boss stepped in and smoothed things over for me.
Literally 'to do so that no corners stand up'. A common idiomatic way to say you're smoothing things over to avoid friction or offense.
I declined in a way that smoothed things over.
Means to settle something amicably or quietly, without making a big fuss. Often used when you want to smooth over a problem discreetly.
I want to smooth this over quietly.
Means to soothe or pacify someone who is upset. It focuses on calming the person rather than resolving the issue itself, but can be part of smoothing things over.
I smoothed things over by calming her down.
We smoothed over the ground before planting the grass.
I smoothed over the wrinkles on the futon with my hand.
Literally 'to make flat'. A straightforward way to say you're smoothing something over to make it level.
Please smooth over the clay.
Means to stretch or spread out. When used for smoothing, it often implies removing wrinkles or folds by pulling or pressing.
I smoothed over the wrinkles with an iron.