talk down
The phrase "talk down" can be used in various contexts, often implying an attempt to reduce intensity, whether in negotiations, emergencies, or social interactions.
Definition
B2Social Interaction
(general)To speak to someone in a way that suggests they are inferior or less intelligent.
Example
- She felt insulted when her colleague started to talk down to her during the meeting.
B2Negotiation
(business)To persuade someone to agree to a lower price or less favorable terms.
Example
- He managed to talk down the price of the car by pointing out its flaws.
C1Crisis Management
(emergency)To calm or pacify someone through conversation, often in a tense or dangerous situation.
Example
- The negotiator was able to talk down the man threatening to jump from the bridge.
C1Aviation
(technical)To guide a pilot to land an aircraft safely through radio instructions.
Example
- The air traffic controller had to talk down the inexperienced pilot in heavy fog.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "talk down":
argue downcall downturn downmake downtalk outkeep downtone downbring downback downput downtalk sensequiet downshoot downtake down a notchtalk throughtalk overquieten downcome downdumb downget downdamp downstand downtake downgo downdress downcalm downtalk atcome down oncry downlive downlet downclimb downsell downbring down onrun downdampen downmove downwater downwind downcome down tocut down to sizetalk backlaugh downstep downhush downlook down oncast downknock downtalk aboutcomb downthrow downset downdraw downtell offbeat downcool downblow downtalk shitget down onlook downcool offtalk trashcut downweigh downdressing downtalk uppull down