pour oil on troubled waters
To calm, appease or quiet a person or situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He tried to pour oil on troubled waters after the argument.”
“She pours oil on troubled waters whenever her children fight over their toys.”
“The manager stepped in to pour oil on troubled waters when the two coworkers started shouting at each other.”
“When my parents start debating politics at dinner, I usually try to pour oil on troubled waters by changing the subject to our upcoming holiday.”
“The teacher had to pour oil on troubled waters after a misunderstanding during the game made several students feel very frustrated and upset.”
“Recognizing the rising tension in the boardroom, the diplomat spoke calmly, hoping to pour oil on troubled waters before the negotiations collapsed entirely.”
The phrase derives from the ancient maritime practice of pouring oil onto sea waves to calm their surface. The physical effect relies on the oil forming a thin layer that prevents the wind from gaining the necessary traction to create crests, a technique documented as a practical method of soothing a turbulent sea long before it transitioned into a metaphor for resolving human disputes.
- 01
add oil
Synonym of let's go: a cheer of encouragement, support, etc.
- 02
borrow trouble
To worry about future events not in one's control and that may not come to pass.
- 03
bridge over troubled waters
Someone or something that provides support, comfort, and a means to overcome difficult times.
- 04
burn the midnight oil
To work studiously, especially late into the night.
- 05
cast one's bread upon the waters
To perform a kind deed or favor without the motivation of any immediate reward or benefit to oneself, though with the possibility of eventual future return.
- 06
fish in troubled waters
To try to take advantage of a confused or troubled situation.
- 07
muddy the waters
To make something unclear and difficult to understand.
- 08
oil and water
Two things which are incapable of mixing or coexisting harmoniously with each other.
Last updated August 10, 2026