dials down
Turns the knob
Dials down means to reduce intensity, volume, or degree—from the physical action of turning a dial counterclockwise.
You can dial down the music, dial down the rhetoric, or dial down expectations: Can you dial down the drama a little?
The phrase often suggests moderating something excessive or inflammatory.
Opposite of dials up.
- lowerReduce or move downward
- de-escalateReduce intensity of conflict
- calmFree from agitation
- cools offBecomes less hot
- decreaseBecome or make smaller
adjust · fine-tune · attenuate · defuse · control · mute · soothe · soften · temper · curb · reins in · modulate · diminish · minimize · pacify · recalibrate · restrain · inhibit
dials downescalates
Increases in intensity
ramps up · inflames · heats up · stirs up · fans the flames
dials downramps up
Increases activity or intensity
steps up · doubles down · leans in · kicks into gear · engages
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