What it means
Means things are going easily, with no drama, delays, or nasty surprises. It’s a nautical metaphor: a calm sea, a steady wind, and the boat basically doing the work for you. People use it for projects, travel, relationships, anything that’s running nicely. Often said with a little superstition, like touch wood, so you don’t jinx it.
Usage examples
"Asked the boss about the rollout, I said it’s been smooth sailing so far, just waiting on the client to sign off and we’re laughing."
"Once the funding came through, the project was smooth sailing all the way."
"The flight was delayed but after that it was smooth sailing to the hotel."
"Honestly, once we got the keys and the Wi-Fi sorted, it was smooth sailing from there."
"Thought moving house was gonna be a nightmare, but it's been smooth sailing so far, touch wood."
Got something to say?
Edit, fix or tell us something. We review it and, if it is true, you will see it applied with your name on it.
Where it comes from
It comes straight from seafaring English. The image is literal at first: calm water, good conditions, no rough surprises, so the voyage goes easily. By the 1800s it had spread into everyday speech for anything progressing without hassle, hold-ups, or chaos.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.