underplay

• Verbe désignant le fait de présenter quelque chose comme moins important ou moins grave qu'il ne l'est en réalité, souvent pour un effet stratégique ou dramatique, ou encore de jouer un rôle, une idée ou une émotion avec retenue ou subtilité.

A verb used to indicate the act of making something seem less important or less serious than it actually is, often for strategic or dramatic effect.

1. Act with restraintC1formal

   To perform a role or present something in a deliberately restrained or subtle manner.

   interpréter avec retenue

   • The actor chose to underplay the emotional scene, making it more powerful.
   • She underplayed her achievements during the interview.
   • The director asked him to underplay the character's anger.

   Synonymesde-emphasizedownplaymoderateplay downrestrainsoft-pedalunderactunderstate

   Antonymeshammugoveractoverplay

2. Play a lower cardC2formal

   In card games, to play a card that is lower than a high card held by an opponent.

   sous‑jouer (aux cartes)

   • He decided to underplay his ace to trick the opponent.
   • She underplayed her king, hoping to win the next trick.
   • The player underplayed his queen, sacrificing the round.

   Synonymesduckhold up

   Antonymesoverplay