downshifted
Went lower gear
Downshifted is the past tense of downshift, which means to shift to a lower gear in a vehicle: She downshifted as she approached the curve.
Figuratively, to downshift is to reduce pace or intensity, especially in one's career or lifestyle: After the heart attack, he downshifted and took a less demanding job.
The term suggests deliberate deceleration rather than mere slowing down.
Mechanism linking engine to gearbox
- gearboxEnclosed system of cogs
- transmissionSending of information
- low gearTransmission's torque-maximizing position
- second gearIntermediate drive ratio
first gear · tachometer · RPM · manual · drivetrain · synchromesh · torque · engine braking
Making less complex
- declutteringEliminating unnecessary possessions
- minimalismAesthetic of reduction
- work-life balanceManaging career and home
- intentional livingDeliberate approach to life choices
mindfulness · unplugging · sabbatical · semi-retirement · hygge · ikigai · contentment · priorities
Made less extreme
- dialed backLessened in degree
- mellowedBecame softer, calmer
- temperedStrengthened through heat treatment
- moderatedRestrained or supervised
softened · relaxed · eased · subdued · muted · calmed · cooled off · backed off
Decreasing in velocity
- brakingReducing speed deliberately
- coastingMoving without active effort
- crawlMove slowly, low
- creepStealthy, slow movement
gradual · tapering · moderation · controlled · measured · unhurried · gentle · steady
Shortened work time
- part-timeLimited work schedule
- demotionReduction in status
- lateral movePosition change, same rank
- stepping asideRemoving oneself from position
winding down · phasing out · semi-retired · flexible work · opting out · conscious uncoupling · pivoting · rebalancing
clutch
Mechanism linking engine to gearbox
- gearboxEnclosed system of cogs
- transmissionSending of information
- low gearTransmission's torque-maximizing position
second gear · first gear · tachometer · RPM · manual · drivetrain · synchromesh · torque · engine braking · deceleration
simplifying
Making less complex
- declutteringEliminating unnecessary possessions
- minimalismAesthetic of reduction
- work-life balanceManaging career and home
intentional living · mindfulness · unplugging · sabbatical · semi-retirement · hygge · ikigai · contentment · priorities · balance
toned down
Made less extreme
- dialed backLessened in degree
- mellowedBecame softer, calmer
- temperedStrengthened through heat treatment
moderated · softened · relaxed · eased · subdued · muted · calmed · cooled off · backed off · de-escalated
slowing
Decreasing in velocity
creep · gradual · tapering · moderation · controlled · measured · unhurried · gentle · steady
reduced hours
Shortened work time
- part-timeLimited work schedule
- demotionReduction in status
- lateral movePosition change, same rank
stepping aside · winding down · phasing out · semi-retired · flexible work · opting out · conscious uncoupling · pivoting · rebalancing
downshiftedramped up
Increased in degree
scaled up · intensified · accelerated · leaned in · doubled down
downshift, downshifting, downshifts, downshifter, downshifters