soft pedal

• Etwas als weniger wichtig oder weniger extrem darstellen, als es tatsächlich ist; herunterspielen, abschwächen oder mit geringerem Nachdruck behandeln.

To make something seem less important or less extreme than it really is; to downplay, moderate, or treat something with less emphasis or force.

1. To downplay or moderateB2informal

   To make something seem less important, serious, or extreme than it really is.

   Herunterspielen oder abschwächen

   • The politician tried to soft pedal the controversial remarks.
   • She soft pedaled the bad news to avoid upsetting her family.
   • The company soft pedaled the product's flaws in their advertising.

2. To reduce intensity or volumeB2informal

   To make something quieter, less forceful, or less noticeable.

   Abschwächen

   • He soft pedaled his criticism to avoid a confrontation.
   • The musician soft pedaled the final notes of the piece.
   • They soft pedaled the announcement to avoid causing panic.