Smooth Sailing
Definition: To proceed effortlessly, without any problems or challenges. Like gliding through placid waters on a bright, sunny day—pure bliss!
Related Terms: plain sailing, easy street, cruising, a walk in the park, clear skies ahead.
Synonyms:
- Plain sailing
- Sailing through
- Gliding along
- Breezing through
Antonyms:
- Hitting rough waters
- Facing headwinds
- Battling turbulent seas
- Up the creek without a paddle
Humor-filled Quotes:
“Life may not always be smooth sailing, but swimming is a good backup plan.” - Anonymous
“If you think it’s all smooth sailing, you’ve probably never tried parallel parking a yacht.” - Salty Seadog Smith
Provocative Proverbs:
- “Calm seas never made a skilled sailor.” - Anonymous
- “Journeys become adventures when you face challenges.” - 21st Century Travel Guides
References:
- Books:
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville—Adventures on the high seas that are anything but smooth.
- The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway—Battling with life’s waves and the fights worth fighting.
- Songs:
- “Smooth” by Santana ft. Rob Thomas—The metaphor might be more about romance, but hey, smooth is smooth!
- “Come Sail Away” by Styx—A classic sailing anthem that imagines both calm waters and cosmic adventures.
- Movies:
- Titanic—Okay, maybe this one is more about not smooth sailing, but it’s got boats!
- Moana—A charming animated tale of venturing into the unknown seas with courage.
Inspirational Thought:
“Remember, it’s the journey, not the destination, that offers the sweet symphony of smooth or stormy sailing.”
Quizzes 🧠
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [x] Smooth sailing
- [ ] Flying without a jetpack
- [ ] Moonwalking through tree tops
- [ ] Running with unicorns
> **Explanation:** "Smooth sailing" is a commonly known idiom indicating a process or journey that goes without problems. The others? Fantastical whimsies.
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [ ] Sailing in a bathtub
- [x] Plain sailing
- [ ] Climbing spaghetti rope
- [ ] Boating on a cloud
> **Explanation:** "Plain sailing" is a legitimate expression akin to smooth sailing, meaning straightforward and trouble-free progress.
### True or False: 'Smooth sailing' is an idiom?
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true. It refers to effortless and trouble-free experiences.
