Smooth sailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Smooth sailing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that is proceeding without any difficulties or obstacles. Example: "After weeks of planning, the project finally began, and it was smooth sailing from there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Smooth sailing, Captain!

The New York Times

Smooth sailing from then on?

The New York Times

Smooth sailing it wasn't.

Forbes

Smooth sailing until we reached Hamilton.

Huffington Post

Then it's smooth sailing.

The New York Times - Food

Now it's smooth sailing".

The Guardian - Tech

"It's been smooth sailing".

The New York Times

From there, smooth sailing.

The New York Times

It's not all smooth sailing.

The New York Times

It hasn't always been smooth sailing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Again, life was smooth-sailing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Smooth sailing" to describe situations where progress is uncomplicated and without significant problems. It's especially effective when contrasting with a previously difficult period.

Common error

Avoid using "Smooth sailing" in highly formal or technical writing. While widely understood, it can sound too informal for academic papers or professional reports. Opt for more precise language to convey the lack of complications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Smooth sailing" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression. It's used as a noun phrase or adverbial phrase to describe a situation or process that is progressing easily and without problems. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Smooth sailing" is a frequently used idiomatic expression that describes a situation progressing without difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely understood, appearing most often in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, its tone leans slightly towards the informal, making it less appropriate for highly formal writing. Related phrases such as "effortless progress" or "trouble-free journey" can be used as alternatives, but it's important to consider the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Plain sailing

A very close synonym, more common in British English.

Easy ride

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of challenge.

No complications

Directly states the absence of difficulties.

Without a hitch

Indicates that everything went according to plan.

Effortless progress

Focuses on the lack of effort required.

Trouble-free journey

Highlights the absence of problems during a process.

Straightforward process

Highlights the simplicity of the procedure.

Walk in the park

An idiomatic expression emphasizing ease.

Seamless execution

Focuses on the flawless performance of a task.

Easy as pie

An informal idiom indicating simplicity.

FAQs

How can I use "Smooth sailing" in a sentence?

You can use "Smooth sailing" to describe a situation progressing without difficulty, such as, "After the initial setup, it was "smooth sailing" for the rest of the project".

What are some alternatives to saying "Smooth sailing"?

Alternatives include "effortless progress", "trouble-free journey", or "easy ride" depending on the specific context.

Is "Smooth sailing" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "Smooth sailing" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "without complications" or "straightforward process".

What does it mean when someone says "It wasn't all smooth sailing"?

This means that there were difficulties or challenges encountered, implying that the situation was not as easy or uncomplicated as it might have seemed initially.