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I lately been wondering what is the history behind the phrase "pouring oil on troubled waters". I know that in the past that ships would pour oil onto rough seas but what I don't know is who did it or why it was done. And what effect did it have?

Anyone know?

"Oil on Troubled Waters To pour oil on troubled waters, as a figure of speech, means to soothe the troubled spirit.

I'm not sure of the origin but I've read of this being used during WWII & possibly before. If a ship wished to protect a smaller vessel from rough seas (for example: picking up survivors in a small lifeboat) it would position itself upweather of it & release fuel oil to help "calm the troubled waters". This would be a comparatively recent interpretation of the expression as it could only have been used after the introduction of oil-burning ships.

eno's answer seems to be what I was looking for. Any ideas what effect oil has on a rough sea and why it acts so?

eno's answer seems to be what I was looking for. Any ideas what effect oil has on a rough sea and why it acts so?

It brings out Greenpeace boats?

It brings out Greenpeace boats?

LOL

I believe that oil floating on the surface does actually reduce the movement of rough water to some extent. I'm sure someone far more educated than me will have a scientific explanation.

My guess, not explanation mind you, is oil floats, and therefore it creates a barrier between the air/wind and the water, preventing the wind from creating waves.

Then again I've heard some people say waves create wind, not vice versa.  But then again, where are the waves at 20 angels?  I could go on forever...

[quote]My guess, not explanation mind you, is oil floats, and therefore it creates a barrier between the air/wind and the water, preventing the wind from creating waves.

Then again I've heard some people say waves create wind, not vice versa.

My guess, not explanation mind you, is oil floats, and therefore it creates a barrier between the air/wind and the water, preventing the wind from creating waves.

I'm no scientist but I can't see it having anything to do with the wind. It's more likely the increased surface tension of the oil preventing waves breaking or reducing the swell a little - something like that. I would think it would only have a limited effect but it might make all the difference in emergencies.