Tone down meaning in English
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Definition
to tone (something) down: to make (something) less forceful, strong, or noticeable
You should tone down your behavior before meeting the boss; don't shout or use rude language.
The government has toned down their strict policies on gay marriage. They are much less extreme than they used to be.
Examples
- "You may want to tone down your intelligence, and agree with everything she says, if you know what I mean."
Exercise 1
According to Polly's email, how should Icarus behave during the review?
According to Polly's email, how should Icarus behave during the review?
Polly writes that Fiona is "rather competitive", not that Icarus shouldn't be competitive.
Polly never suggests that Icarus should act "mean", in the sense of being "bad". Polly writes "if you know what I mean", which has a different meaning.
Polly tells Icarus that he may want to "tone down his intelligence". This means he should not act too intelligent, or "smart" because it would excite Fiona's competitiveness, which could create a conflict. Note: in English, the term "smart has many meanings, but its principal sense is "intelligent". It can also express "handsomeness", as in the sentence "You look smart in your new tuxedo". Also, it can mean "sarcastic" as in the sentence: "The child was acting smart, so he was punished". To 'tone down" means to moderate.
Polly writes that they "have no worries", and not that Icarus should be worried.
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