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pour oil on troubled waters. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
pour oil on troubled waters, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
pour oil on troubled waters in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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pour oil on troubled waters, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From the ancient practice of pouring oil on the sea's waves to calm them.
Pronunciation
Verb
pour oil on troubled waters (third-person singular simple present pours oil on troubled waters, present participle pouring oil on troubled waters, simple past and past participle poured oil on troubled waters)
- (idiomatic) To calm, appease or quieten a person or situation.
- Antonym: add fuel to the fire
1885, Beverley Ellison Warner, a Troubled Waters: A Problem of To-day, page 40:Tom Street deemed it his duty to pour oil upon the troubled waters, being, as it were, officially responsible for the welfare of the chowder-plates and tobacco-pipes which were hired for the occasion.
2013, Jane Cable, The Cheesemaker's House, page 95:I remember him taking umbrage when he thought I was doubting his grandmother's skills so I am quick to pour oil on troubled waters.
Translations
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