play down

British  

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to make little or light of; minimize the importance of

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play down Idioms  

1. Make little of, minimize the importance of, as in A skillful salesman plays down the drawbacks of the product and emphasizes its good features . [First half of 1900s]

2. play down to . Lower one's standards to meet the demands of someone, as in Some stand-up comics deliberately play down to the vulgar taste of their audiences . [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

After the match, Rosenior played down the importance of his substitutions, instead crediting the mentality of the players since his arrival.

From BBC

Despite attempting to play down the issue, Alcaraz glugging pickle juice - an acidic liquid found to stop cramping 40% faster than drinking water - was a sure sign that it was an issue.

From BBC

Starmer has played down the possibility that his trip to Beijing, the first in eight years by a British prime minister, could anger the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

Analysts played down the prospects the tariff threats will turn into reality.

From Barron's

But they played down the idea of tensions between departments and said ministers were trying to strike the right balance.

From BBC

Related Words

• belittle
• gloss over
• minimize
• mute
• soft pedal
• soften
• underplay