To calm something or someone who is tenacious or misbehaving.

Etymology:

  • From the ancient practice of pouring oil on the sea's waves to calm them.
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I better go pour oil on those troubled waters the children are making over there.

Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'pour oil on troubled waters':

Pour Oil on Troubled WatersTo calm down the tense situation, to sooth someone in anger or tension
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    "pour oil on troubled waters." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/pour-oil-on-troubled-waters_6210>.

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    ______ up a fuss.
    A kicking
    B breaking
    C talking
    D making