idiom
Smooth sailing
SMOOTH SAY-ling
/smuːð ˈseɪlɪŋ/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
smoothsailing
Dictionary meaning
Easy progress without difficulties or obstacles; a situation that proceeds without problems.
Examples
- After the initial hurdles, the rest of the project was smooth sailing.
- Getting approval was tough, but once that was done it was smooth sailing.
American English favours 'smooth sailing'; British English more commonly uses 'plain sailing'.
Synonyms: plain sailing, easy going
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