smooth landing

USAGE SUMMARY

'smooth landing' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used as a metaphor to signify a successful or peaceful conclusion of a difficult or challenging situation. For example, "After a difficult year, the company was able to make a smooth landing, resulting in record-breaking profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

For the scale and smooth landing of this trick, Jeremy Jones deserves an honourable mention.

The Guardian - Sport

Decades before China overtook Japan, the country had started downsizing, preparing for a smooth landing.

The New York Times

"You can see a smooth landing at the Dubuque Regional Airport," the anchorman, Scott Sanborn, said in a slightly hushed tone.

The New York Times

When the chain proves too short for a smooth landing, "he spills out the dirt, then drops the chicken, who spreads it all around," Mr. Wright said.

The New York Times

The BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes used his seemingly smooth landing in "one of the most isolated, impoverished and repressive places of earth" to introduce his first news piece.

The Guardian

The astronauts and their support team on the ground performed admirably under difficult conditions on an unusually busy and lengthy mission that ended with a smooth landing yesterday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Ben de Pear, who was also on the flight, said  that "despite fear" it was the "smoothest landing of all time".

Independent

Though the Mission Control Center might have wished for a smoother landing site, the geologists were beside themselves with joy at the one the LM came down on.

The New Yorker

While that could set the stage for smoother landing for Uber in other markets, it still doesn't mean the door is open for P2P services like Lyft and SideCar.

TechCrunch

During the jump, the spiders with the silk lines stayed airborne longer, decelerated more, and completed a smoother landing than those without silk lines, researchers report online today in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface.

Science Magazine

How can you help this child glide in for a smoother landing?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smooth landing" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to a challenging situation that concludes favorably. For instance, "The company navigated the economic downturn and achieved a "smooth landing" by implementing cost-saving measures".

Common error

Avoid using "smooth landing" for routine or simple accomplishments. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a successful outcome after significant challenges or potential setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth landing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe the successful conclusion of a challenging endeavor. It can also function literally, referring to the successful touchdown of an aircraft. Ludwig confirms that "smooth landing" is considered a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smooth landing" is a versatile phrase primarily used to describe the successful and uneventful conclusion of a challenging situation. Originating from aviation, it now commonly appears in a metaphorical sense across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing. While most frequent in news and media contexts, "smooth landing" is understood across diverse fields and suggests competence and a trouble-free resolution. When using it, remember to reserve it for situations where actual difficulties were overcome, avoiding overuse in everyday scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

successful arrival

Emphasizes the positive outcome of reaching a destination or completing a process.

peaceful resolution

Focuses on the absence of conflict or disruption in reaching a conclusion.

easy transition

Highlights the lack of difficulty or resistance in moving from one state to another.

flawless execution

Stresses the perfection and precision in carrying out a plan or task.

gentle descent

Implies a gradual and controlled reduction or decline.

uncomplicated completion

Highlights the simplicity and lack of issues in finishing something.

trouble-free conclusion

Focuses on the absence of problems or difficulties in ending a process.

graceful finish

Emphasizes the elegance and style in completing something.

well-managed conclusion

Focuses on the competence and effectiveness in bringing something to an end.

safe return

Highlights the security and lack of danger in coming back.

FAQs

How can I use "smooth landing" in a sentence?

You can use "smooth landing" to describe a successful conclusion to a difficult situation. For example, "The negotiations resulted in a "smooth landing" for both parties".

What does "smooth landing" mean in a business context?

In business, "smooth landing" often refers to a successful exit strategy or a well-managed transition during a merger or acquisition. It implies minimal disruption and a positive outcome for all stakeholders.

What are some synonyms for "smooth landing"?

Alternatives include "successful arrival", "peaceful resolution", or "easy transition", depending on the specific context.

Is "smooth landing" only used to describe airplanes?

No, while it originated from aviation, "smooth landing" is frequently used metaphorically to describe the successful conclusion of any challenging situation, not just airplanes.