sing small

verb4

1. •
   To assume a humble tone.

   • By all that's good, I must myself sing small in her company!—I vvill never meet at hard-edge vvith her— […] — 1753
2. •
   To not say anything; to keep quiet.

   • Deutschland sleeps: her star has waned. / France, the Thundress whilome, now / Singeth small, with bated breath. — 1850
3. •
   To play a minor part.
4. •
   (no longer used) To sing softly.

   • [A]re not most of our kings being vvhen they sing small and fine, after a puling maner, saluted Apolloes for their musicke: […] — 1603