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."
Where it comes from
A nautical image: a calm sea and a steady wind, the boat gliding along while you barely touch the tiller. Smooth sailing is anything running easily, no drama or delays, often said with a quick touch of wood so you don't jinx it.
Other ways to say it
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