water down

British  

verb

1. to dilute or weaken with water

2. to modify or adulterate, esp so as to omit anything harsh, unpleasant, or offensive

   to water down the truth

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water down Idioms  

1. Dilute or weaken, as in He watered down that unfavorable report with feeble excuses. [Mid-1800s]

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Other Word Forms

• watered-down adjective

Example Sentences

Cox initially had a three strike rule for customers, but Sony alleged the company watered down its consequences for infringers to just a stern warning over time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pressed on whether they were considering watering down their idea, they said they were currently studying the responses to a consultation on the plans, and would respond once they had.

From BBC

She drank long and deep, enjoying every moment of it, filling her trunk again and again and then pouring the water down her throat.

From Literature

I’d reconciled myself to our fashions being watered down and thoughtlessly mixed in with other Eastern styles.

From Literature

The vast expanse of water down the left had gobbled up Young's ball less than 24 hours earlier.

From BBC

Related Words

• attenuate
• weaken