Meaning of play down | Babel Free

Definitions

To make or attempt to make something seem less important, likely, or obvious.

idiomatic, transitive

Equivalents

Examples

“The essay attempts to play down the role slavery had in the Civil War.”

“The senator played down the threat of a recession.”

“During the wave of anti-immigrant sentiment, Miguel played down his immigrant status by removing Chicano patois from his speech and adopting the nickname "Mike."”

“Reports that the project is in trouble have been circulating for many months and have been played down by officials.”

CEFR level