Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
soft-pedal
verb
/ˌsɔːftˈpɛd.əl/
Definition
To play down or downplay something, especially to reduce its impact or importance.
Examples
- The manager decided to soft-pedal the bad news during the meeting to avoid alarming the team.
- In his speech, he chose to soft-pedal the controversy surrounding the new policy.
Meaning
The term ‘soft-pedal’ refers to the act of minimizing or toning down something that may be seen as too harsh or controversial. It often involves presenting information in a way that makes it less forceful or impactful.
Synonyms
- Downplay
- Minimize
- Mitigate
- Diminish
