How to Pronounce "pour oil on troubled water"
expression
PAWR oyl on TRUH-buhld WAW-ter
PAW oyl on TRUB-uhld WAW-tuh
Definition
To try to make an angry or tense situation calmer and more peaceful.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɔɹ/ /ˈɔɪɫ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈtɹəbəɫd/ /ˈwɔtɝ
British English
pˈɔː/ /ˈɔɪl/ /ˈɒn/ /tɹˈʌbəld/ /wˈɔːtɐ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PAWR oyl on TRUH-buhld WAW-ter
UK
PAW oyl on TRUB-uhld WAW-tuh
Listen in Context
She tried to pour oil on troubled water during the family argument.
The teacher often pours oil on troubled water when students fight.
He wanted to pour oil on troubled water after the meeting became heated.
Whenever there's drama at work, Jane steps in to pour oil on troubled water.