She tried to 'smooth things out' [=end an argument or disagreement] with her daughter-in-law, but the damage was done.
They 'smoothed the way' for a quick end to the dispute. [=they made it easier to achieve a quick end to the dispute]
Her time at college wasn't all 'smooth sailing'. [=she had some problems/difficulties during her time at college]
(..) into milk, the thin and wholesome blood So did it mine. And soon a foul eruption barked about, most leper-like... ...with vile and loathsome crust, all my smooth body Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother's hand of life, of crown and queen at once dispatched Cutoff even in the blossom of my sin (..)2015 Hamlet