smooth over vs handle

smooth over is not a noun while handle is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
smooth over	No	No	Yes	No
handle	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, handle is a hypernym of smooth over; that is, handle is a word with a broader meaning than smooth over:

Other hypernyms of smooth over include do by, treat.

smooth over (noun)	handle (noun)
	the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it

smooth over (verb)	handle (verb)
treat hurriedly or avoid dealing with properly	act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
	touch, lift, or hold with the hands
	handle effectively
	show and train
	be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
	interact in a certain way