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play down

to make seem less important

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to make something seem less important or serious than it really is; to minimize or downplay

2. (verb) to perform in a way that is not as energetic or impressive as possible

Examples

• 1. The government tried to play down the seriousness of the economic crisis.
• 2. The team played down in the second half and lost the match.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

map out, own up, phase out, ramp up, reach out, scale back