# hose down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hose-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To calm down a person, or a situation.

## Examples

- The manager had to hose down the angry customer.
- After the argument became too heated, the mediator stepped in to hose down the situation.
- The diplomat worked tirelessly to hose down the rising tensions between the two nations before the conflict escalated further.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.