1 B1 informal
To reduce the volume, temperature, or power of a device.
"Could you dial down the music a little? I'm trying to concentrate."
separable
dial down
B2 informal separable transitive
To reduce the intensity, volume, or strength of something.
In plain English
To make something less loud, less strong, or less extreme — like turning down the volume on a radio.
What does "dial down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To reduce the intensity of a feeling, behaviour, or situation.
"Both sides need to dial down the hostility if they want a peaceful resolution."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To turn a dial downward, reducing output or intensity.
Actually means
To make something less loud, less strong, or less extreme — like turning down the volume on a radio.
Usage tip
Common in American English. Used both literally (reduce volume/output of a device) and figuratively (reduce emotional intensity or aggressive behaviour). Increasingly used in media and political commentary.
Words that pair with "dial down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tension aggression noise rhetoric heat emotions
How to conjugate "dial down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dial down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dials down
he/she/it
Past simple
dialed down
yesterday
Past participle
dialed down
have + pp
-ing form
dialing down
continuous
Hear "dial down" in the wild
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Other ways to say "dial down"
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