Phrasal verb
dial down
Definition
phrasal verb. to make something less strong or intense. You use this when you want to lower the volume or make a situation calmer.
phrasal verb. To reduce the intensity, volume, or degree of something. It is often employed metaphorically to suggest the moderation of emotional responses or public statements.
Examples
“Please dial down the music so I can sleep.”
“The coach told the players to dial down their aggression after the referee gave a warning.”
“Economists argue that the central bank must dial down its stimulus measures to prevent the economy from overheating and causing long-term inflationary pressure.”
Examples
simple
“Please dial down the music so I can sleep.”
contextual
“The coach told the players to dial down their aggression after the referee gave a warning.”
complex
“Economists argue that the central bank must dial down its stimulus measures to prevent the economy from overheating and causing long-term inflationary pressure.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and can be used with both physical controls and abstract concepts.
Teaching tip
Use the image of a volume knob or a thermostat to help students understand the concept of gradual reduction.
Pitfall
He needs to dial down on the rhetoric.
He needs to dial down the rhetoric.
The verb is transitive and does not take the preposition 'on' before the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
dial + down + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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