Definition

Verb: - To become calm, quiet, or less agitated after a period of excitement, anger, or intense activity.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the process of returning to a calm state. It is often used as an imperative ("Simmer down!") to tell someone to calm down. It implies that emotions were previously heated or elevated.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Imperative for De-escalation: Frequently used as a direct command to urge someone to control their emotions.
  • Hey, simmer down! There's no need to shout.

Variants and Related Words

• Simmer (verb): To cook gently at or just below the boiling point. Figuratively, it means to be in a state of suppressed anger or excitement.
  • He was simmering with rage after the argument.

Synonyms

• Calm down: To become or make someone quiet and relaxed.
• Cool off: To become less angry or excited.
• Settle down: To become calm, quiet, or orderly.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Not applicable as the target is itself a phrasal verb.)

Related Idioms

• Let off steam: To release pent-up energy or emotion, often as a precursor to simmering down.
  • He went for a run to let off steam and finally simmer down.

Verb

1. become quiet or calm, especially after a state of agitation
   • After the fight both men need to cool off.
   • It took a while after the baby was born for things to settle down again.