tone down
To make something less strong, loud, or extreme.
Meanings
To make language, a speech, or written content less aggressive, controversial, or extreme.
"Her editor asked her to tone down the opening paragraph, which was too confrontational."
To make colours or visual elements less bright, vivid, or stark.
"The designer toned down the background colour so the text would be easier to read."
To make behaviour or a reaction less intense or exaggerated.
"Could you tone down the celebrations a bit? Some of us are trying to work."
Very common in contexts of editing (toning down language), visual design (toning down colours), and behaviour (toning down excitement). The opposite is 'ramp up' or 'heighten'. Used both in creative and professional contexts.
Commonly used with
Forms
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