smooth someone's ruffled feathers

smooth (one's) ruffled feathers

To attempt to calm or placate someone who is annoyed, irritated, or upset. I had to go and smooth my parents' ruffled feathers after my husband criticized them at dinner. The company has been in damage-control mode after the disastrous presentation, with the CEO trying to smooth investor's ruffled feathers.

See also: feather, ruffle, smooth

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

smooth someone's ruffled feathers

make someone less angry or irritated by using soothing words.

See also: feather, ruffle, smooth

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017