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Smooth Sailing

What Does "Smooth Sailing" Mean?

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"Smooth sailing" is an English idiom. It is used to describe a situation or process that is proceeding easily and without difficulties.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "smooth sailing" used in a sentence:
  • The project's initial phase had some challenges, but now it's smooth sailing.
  • After resolving the technical issues, the software development became smooth sailing.
  • The journey started with rough weather, but once we reached calm seas, it was smooth sailing all the way.
meaning for smooth sailing

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Smooth Sailing" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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