What does “Pour oil on troubled waters” mean?

"Pour oil on troubled waters" means to try to calm a difficult or tense situation.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He tried to pour oil on troubled waters by mediating between the two parties.

Example

The manager's speech was an attempt to pour oil on troubled waters and ease the tension in the office.

Example

She decided to pour oil on troubled waters by apologizing for her mistake and offering a solution

Is “Pour oil on troubled waters” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Pour oil on troubled waters” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Pour oil on troubled waters” effectively in context?

You can use "Pour oil on troubled waters" to describe an action taken to calm a difficult or tense situation. It suggests the idea of adding something soothing or calming to ease tensions. For example, if there is an argument between two friends, you might say, 'Let's pour oil on troubled waters and find a compromise.'

1Family Conflict
During a heated family discussion, she decided to pour oil on troubled waters by reminding everyone of their shared love and values.
2Workplace Dispute
The manager tried to pour oil on troubled waters by organizing a team-building activity to improve communication and resolve conflicts.
3Friendship Strain
To mend their strained friendship, she decided to pour oil on troubled waters by reaching out and apologizing for her part in the disagreement.

Similar phrases to “Pour oil on troubled waters”:

Smooth things over

To resolve or calm a difficult situation by making peace or finding a compromise

Example

She tried to smooth things over by apologizing and offering a solution.

Bridge the gap

To bring together two opposing sides or groups and find common ground

Example

The mediator's role was to bridge the gap between the two parties and facilitate a peaceful resolution.

Quell the storm

To calm or pacify a turbulent or chaotic situation

Example

The leader's speech helped quell the storm and restore order in the organization.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Pour oil on troubled waters” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Pour oil on troubled waters" is unknown.

Is “Pour oil on troubled waters” common in everyday conversation?

"Pour oil on troubled waters" is a relatively common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to suggest the need for calmness and diplomacy in resolving conflicts or tense situations.

What tone does “Pour oil on troubled waters” have?

"Pour oil on troubled waters" conveys a tone of peace and reconciliation. It implies the importance of finding a peaceful resolution and avoiding further escalation of conflicts.

Can “Pour oil on troubled waters” be used in informal and formal settings?

Pour oil on troubled waters can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of calming tensions and resolving conflicts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, negotiations, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He tried to pour oil on troubled waters by offering a compromise.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to pour oil on troubled waters!' to suggest the need for calmness in a tense situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

calm the waters
soothe tensions
ease the conflict
resolve disputes
promote harmony

Antonyms

fan the flames
stir up trouble
escalate the conflict
worsen the situation
fuel the fire