Limar (en. File)

/liˈmaɾ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
To reduce the roughness of a material, giving it a more uniform shape.
The carpenter had to smooth the edges of the table to make it smooth.
El carpintero tuvo que limar los bordes de la mesa para que quedara suave.
To soften or improve something, especially in a figurative sense.
It is necessary to smooth over the differences between both groups to reach an agreement.
Es necesario limar las diferencias entre ambos grupos para llegar a un acuerdo.
To eliminate or reduce complaints or resentment in a relationship.
After the argument, they decided to smooth over their differences and reconcile.
Después de la discusión, decidieron limar las asperezas y reconciliarse.

Etymology

From the Latin 'limare', which means 'to polish' or 'to smooth'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to smooth over rough edges
To soften or eliminate differences or discrepancies between people.
limar asperezas
to sand the edges
To make something more acceptable or appropriate.
limar los bordes
to smooth out differences
To reach an agreement after a dispute.
limar diferencias

Related Words

file
A tool used to shape or polish surfaces.
lima
polishing
The state of being smooth and shiny after being filed.
pulido
smoothness
The quality of being smooth, generally as a result of filing.
suavidad

Slang Meanings

To smooth over in the sense of improving a relationship after a fight.
After that argument, both decided to smooth things over.
Después de esa discusión, ambos decidieron limar.
To smooth over differences between friends to avoid conflicts.
It is always necessary to smooth over before reaching an agreement.
Siempre hay que limar antes de llegar a un acuerdo.