Meaning
Attempt to calm a problematic situation.
Origin
The spillage of oil into the sea hasn't had a good press in recent years following the many ecological disasters caused by wrecked tankers discharging thousands of tons of crude oil into the world's oceans. In earlier times the pouring of modest quantities of oil into the sea was done deliberately in order to forestall rough seas. This phrase alludes to the actual calming effect of that oil has on wave action as it spreads over the surface of the sea. Very small quantities of oil can cover a surprisingly large area as it spreads into a layer just a few molecules in thickness. The surface tension of the oil layer has an effect similar to that of a thin skin.
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