play down

verb

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

Example Sentences

Amorim is acutely aware of this which is why he is playing down the expectations that rose so dramatically in the wake of Sporting’s defeat of Manchester City last week.

From BBC

Wille plays down the impact of her speech all those years ago, saying it was "just a little step along the way" to progressing women's football.

From BBC

But he played down the idea of an organised supply chain, insisting the smuggling system was more like a haphazard series of stepping stones, with each stage controlled by separate gangs.

From BBC

In times when their games got a little bit ropey they stepped up, whether it be with a big tackle or calming the play down and winning fouls.

From BBC

Official Iranian sources have publicly played down the impact of the attack, saying most missiles were intercepted and those that weren't caused only limited damage to air defence systems.

From BBC

Related Words

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