Smooth the path/way Verb + object/complement
To facilitate something by removing problems
I always take my kids to join outside activities to smooth the way for their physical growth.
Working closely with customers can smooth the path for me to create new products that satisfy their needs.
To help something run or work smoothly or successfully
1. An unlucky situation
2. An interjection used to express sympathy for someone's bad luck
1. I have had some tough beans recently. I got low marks and lost my bike just two days later.
2. A: I've got a low mark.
B: Tough bean, bro.