it's smooth sailing

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's smooth sailing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is going well and without any problems or issues. For example: After the initial difficulties, the project has been running smoothly and it's smooth sailing from here on out.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Then it's smooth sailing.

The New York Times - Food

But even when these decisions are justified, that doesn't mean it's smooth sailing.

The Guardian - Money

It's smooth sailing around the fest.

Los Angeles Times

From there, it's smooth sailing 'til we finish the script, perhaps allowing ourselves the relief and joy of a celebration to acknowledge the important accomplishment.

Huffington Post

Now it's smooth sailing".

The Guardian - Tech

Other than that, it's smooth sailing".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In class, it was smooth sailing.

The Guardian - Money

Once past the duck bsteeya, it is smooth sailing.

The New York Times - Food

I found this one tough to get into, but once I got my PandA mojo on, it was smooth sailing.

The New York Times

It was smooth sailing ahead.

Science Magazine

I recall some of the buzz back then along the lines of "What a giant waste of money!" Once they fixed that mirror, it was smooth sailing.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's smooth sailing" after a potentially challenging phase has been overcome to highlight the improved situation. For example: 'After overcoming the initial technical difficulties, it's smooth sailing from here.'

Common error

Avoid using "it's smooth sailing" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, try to use synonyms to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's smooth sailing" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a situation is expected to proceed without difficulties. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests a period of ease following a potentially challenging start.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it's smooth sailing" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to express optimism about future progress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, but also used in formal and business settings, it suggests a period of ease after a potentially challenging start. Alternatives like "plain sailing" or "a breeze" can be used for variety. When using "it's smooth sailing", it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse to maintain the freshness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plain sailing

This alternative uses a different adjective to describe the ease of progress.

easy going

This phrase emphasizes the lack of stress and effort involved.

a breeze

This idiom implies that something is effortlessly easy.

no problem

This option simply states that there are no difficulties.

easy as pie

This idiom suggests something is very simple to accomplish.

effortless

This emphasizes the lack of required effort.

trouble-free

This indicates an absence of problems or difficulties.

without a hitch

This phrase suggests that something proceeds without any unexpected issues.

on cruise control

This idiom suggests that something can be done automatically without much thought or effort.

clear sailing ahead

This option explicitly mentions the future and the absence of obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "it's smooth sailing" in a sentence?

You can use "it's smooth sailing" to indicate that a process or situation is progressing without problems. For example: "Now that we've finalized the contract, "it's smooth sailing" until the project's completion."

What does "it's smooth sailing" mean?

"It's smooth sailing" means that a task, project, or situation is expected to proceed easily and without significant difficulties or obstacles.

What can I say instead of "it's smooth sailing"?

You can use alternatives like "plain sailing", "easy going", or "a breeze" depending on the context.

Is "it's smooth sailing" an idiom?

Yes, "it's smooth sailing" is an idiom. It's a figurative expression that means something is progressing easily without any problems.