smooth operator
SMOOTH op-er-AY-ter
smuːð ˌɒpəˈreɪtərListen
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Dictionary meaning
a person who handles situations, people, or systems with exceptional ease, competence, and social skill, accomplishing their aims without friction, conflict, or apparent effort; the phrase, popularised by Sade's 1984 song of the same name, captures the quality of effortless effectiveness in navigating complex social or operational environments; in logistics and operations contexts a smooth operator is someone who keeps processes running seamlessly through foresight, preparation, and the ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they become disruptive; the phrase carries both admiring and slightly wary connotations depending on context
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