Sekirov Dictionary

soft-pedal

UK /ˌsɒf(t)ˈpɛdl̩/US /ˈsɔf(t)ˌpɛdəl/

verb4

  1. To reduce the volume of (music, a sound, etc.).
  2. (figurative) To reduce the force or impact of (something); to damp, to mute; especially, to minimize the less desirable aspects of (something); to play down, to tone down.
  3. (figurative) Chiefly followed by on: to act in a less assertive or forceful manner.
  4. (figurative) To attempt to persuade someone about (something) through understatement, so that the listener accepts the good points as obvious.

soft pedal noun[before a noun]1

  1. The leftmost foot-pedal on most pianos which, when pushed, dampens the strings and so softens the note played.
forms

soft-pedaled · soft-pedalled · soft-pedaling · soft-pedalling · soft-pedals · soft pedals

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