smooth the way
idiom
: to make it easier to reach a conclusion, result, etc.
They smoothed the way for a quick end to the dispute.
Examples of smooth the way in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Elevating a Polish commander would also smooth the way for a civilian leader from western Europe, ensuring the political balance that would be crucial to European unity in the early stages of post-American security planning.
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Phillips P. O’Brien, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2024
Asked whether the new Labour government here might smooth the way to an IPO in London, Tang demurred once again.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 July 2024
While details are not yet known, the agreement between the WGA and AMPTP on artificial intelligence may smooth the way for a pact between actors and the AMPTP.
—Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2023
At least one family member does admit, though, jokingly or otherwise, that his being rich and famous did smooth the way for that being so easily acceptable.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for smooth the way 
Phillips P. O’Brien, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2024
Asked whether the new Labour government here might smooth the way to an IPO in London, Tang demurred once again.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 July 2024
While details are not yet known, the agreement between the WGA and AMPTP on artificial intelligence may smooth the way for a pact between actors and the AMPTP.
—Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2023
At least one family member does admit, though, jokingly or otherwise, that his being rich and famous did smooth the way for that being so easily acceptable.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for smooth the way
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'smooth the way.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near smooth the way
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“Smooth the way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smooth%20the%20way. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
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