tone down

British  

verb

1. (adverb) to moderate or become moderated in tone

   to tone down an argument

   to tone down a bright colour

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tone down Idioms  

1. Make less vivid, harsh, or violent; moderate. For example, That's a little too much rouge; I'd tone it down a bit, or Do you think I should tone down this letter of complaint? This idiom uses tone in the sense of “adjust the tone or quality of something,” as does the antonym, tone up, meaning “brighten or strengthen.” For example, These curtains will tone up the whole room, or This exercise is said to tone up the triceps. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

But she expects insurers will complain it’s too costly and threaten to leave the state if the bill is not toned down.

From Los Angeles Times

Carlson invited Fuentes to his studio last October for a mostly friendly chat in which Fuentes toned down his more extreme views.

From BBC

None of Lynch’s ideas has been toned down.

From Los Angeles Times

“And one other thing. I’d love it if you could try to tone down the praise talk.”

From Literature

Since becoming the top US diplomat, Rubio has publicly toned down calls for regime change, and Washington has quietly held discussions with Havana.

From Barron's

Related Words

• dampen
• dim
• mitigate
• modulate
• play down
• restrain
• soften
• temper