soft-pedal
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To make something seem less important, serious, or offensive; to downplay or de-emphasize. - To deliberately avoid emphasizing or drawing attention to a particular point, fact, or issue.
Usage
The verb "soft-pedal" is used to describe the action of minimizing the significance or impact of something, often to avoid controversy, criticism, or to be tactful. It is typically used with a direct object (the thing being downplayed).
Examples
- The company tried to soft-pedal the news of the data breach to avoid a stock price drop.
- During the interview, the politician soft-pedaled her previous criticisms of the policy.
- He soft-pedaled the risks involved in the investment when speaking to new clients.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: The term originates from the use of the soft pedal on a piano, which reduces the volume and alters the tone. Its figurative use retains this sense of muting or toning down.
- The report soft-pedals the environmental concerns, focusing instead on economic benefits.
Variants and Related Words
- Soft-pedaling (noun/gerund): The act of downplaying.
- The constant soft-pedaling of the issue frustrated the investigative journalists.
Synonyms
- Downplay
- Understate
- Minimize
- De-emphasize
- Gloss over
Antonyms
- Emphasize
- Highlight
- Stress
- Accentuate
- Magnify
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To tone down: A phrase with a very similar meaning, often used interchangeably.
- The editor asked the writer to tone down the harsh language in the article.
Verb
- play down or obscure
- His advisers soft-pedaled the president's blunder