simmer down
Britishverb
-
informal (intr) to grow calmer or quieter, as after intense rage or excitement
-
(tr) to reduce the volume of (a liquid) by boiling slowly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Things could change quickly if Middle Eastern tensions simmer down, but the longer oil routes remain blocked, the more embedded hawkish forecasts will become,” Nathan noted.
From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026
However, the toxicity in their relationship appeared to simmer down over the years.
From BBC • Dec. 4, 2024
She’ll simmer down, but only for about five minutes.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2024
I make our rhubarb days last a little longer by saving some to simmer down with sugar and water for the prettiest simple syrup you have ever seen.
From Salon • Mar. 29, 2024
It took me a while to simmer down, but I finally did.
From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.