water down

The phrase "water down" is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to indicate weakening or dilution.

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Definition

B1General

(literal)To dilute a liquid by adding water.

Example

He decided to water down his juice because it was too sweet.

B2Communication

(figurative, informal)To make a statement or proposal less strong or effective.

Example

The manager watered down the report to avoid controversy.

B2Policy

(figurative)To make rules or regulations less strict.

Example

The government watered down the new law to appease the public.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "water down":

wash down dumb down rinse down damp down tone down wash out make water dampen down thin out douche down boil down make down weigh down hose down take water dry out go down sell down wear down run down mix down draw down wash away keep down washed out talk down low water let down move down drain out water can scale down wash over cut down turn down flush out filter down down the drain muddy up wind down bring down light water drink out take on water