student asking question

What does “smooth sailing” mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Good question! ‘Smooth sailing’ is an idiom which is indicating ‘easy progress’. The ‘smooth’ is referring to ‘calm ocean waters’ and ‘sailing’ is the action of traveling a boat by wind. It’s a common phrase used in English and it originated from sailors. Ex: I hope everything is smooth sailing. Ex: Once you’ve passed the exam, it’ll be all smooth sailing.

Popular Q&As

04/17

Complete the expression with a quiz!