English Reference

Phrasal verb

simmer down

Definition

phrasal verb. to become calm or quiet after being angry or excited.

phrasal verb. to return to a state of composure or tranquility following a period of emotional agitation or conflict. The verb is intransitive and functions as a metaphorical extension of a liquid cooling from a boil to a simmer.

Examples

“You need to simmer down before we talk.”

“The crowd was very loud at first, but they eventually began to simmer down once the music started.”

“After the heated debate in the boardroom, the chairman called for a short recess to allow tempers to simmer down.”

Examples

simple

“You need to simmer down before we talk.”

contextual

“The crowd was very loud at first, but they eventually began to simmer down once the music started.”

complex

“After the heated debate in the boardroom, the chairman called for a short recess to allow tempers to simmer down.”

Usage

usually used when telling someone to control their anger or when describing a group becoming quiet.

Teaching tip

use the cooking metaphor (boiling water vs. simmering water) to help students visualize the reduction in intensity; contrast with 'calm down' which is more general.

Pitfall

Please simmer down your anger.

Please simmer down.

the phrasal verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object; one simmers down, one does not simmer down something.

Phrasal verb

Particles

down

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

simmer + down

Synonyms

calm downcool offsettle downquieten

Antonyms

flare upboil overerupt

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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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