| 释义 |
smooth (one's) ruffled feathers smooth (one's) ruffled feathersTo attempt to calm or placate someone who is annoyed, irritated, or upset. I had to go and smooth my parents' ruffled feathers after my husband criticized them at dinner. The company has been in damage-control mode after the disastrous presentation, with the CEO trying to smooth investor's ruffled feathers.See also: feather, ruffle, smoothsmooth (someone's) ruffled feathers If someone smooths ruffled feathers or smooths someone's ruffled feathers, they do something to make people less angry after an argument or a problem. He acted swiftly to smooth the family's ruffled feathers. Eva generally keeps things moving and smooths ruffled feathers.See also: feather, ruffle, smoothsmooth someone's ruffled feathers make someone less angry or irritated by using soothing words.See also: feather, ruffle, smoothsmooth (somebody’s) ruffled ˈfeathers make somebody feel less angry or offended: Her note of apology was meant to smooth ruffled feathers, but it only seemed to make things worse. OPPOSITE: ruffle somebody’s/a few feathersSee also: feather, ruffle, smooth |