Smooth sailing
Meaning
Describes a situation or process that is proceeding easily and without any difficulties or obstacles.
Origin
Picture a ship gliding effortlessly across calm waters, its sails perfectly catching the wind, with no storms on the horizon or treacherous currents to navigate. This literal dream of maritime travel, where every aspect of the voyage is easy and uneventful, is the direct genesis of the phrase. For centuries, sailors yearned for such ideal conditions, and this vivid image of a trouble-free journey from the high seas eventually entered common language, becoming a powerful metaphor for any undertaking that proceeds without difficulty or hindrance.
Examples
- After we successfully launched the new product, the rest of the quarter was smooth sailing for the marketing team.
- Once you get past the challenging initial setup, managing the system becomes smooth sailing.