Phrasal verb
dial back
Definition
phrasal verb. To reduce the amount or intensity of something. You use this when you want to make a situation less extreme or a sound less loud.
phrasal verb. To reduce the intensity, degree, or scale of an activity or emotion. Transitive; frequently used in metaphorical contexts to suggest moderation or de-escalation.
Examples
“You should dial back the volume because it is too loud.”
“After the meeting became too tense, the manager asked everyone to dial back their criticism and focus on solutions.”
“The administration was forced to dial back its ambitious infrastructure plans after the latest budget report revealed a significant deficit that threatened long-term fiscal stability.”
Examples
simple
“You should dial back the volume because it is too loud.”
contextual
“After the meeting became too tense, the manager asked everyone to dial back their criticism and focus on solutions.”
complex
“The administration was forced to dial back its ambitious infrastructure plans after the latest budget report revealed a significant deficit that threatened long-term fiscal stability.”
Usage
This phrase is often used with abstract nouns like 'rhetoric', 'intensity', or 'expectations'.
Teaching tip
Use the image of a volume knob or a thermostat to explain how the phrase implies a gradual reduction rather than a sudden stop.
Pitfall
We need to dial back of the spending.
We need to dial back the spending.
The verb is transitive and does not require the preposition 'of' before the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
optional
Pattern
dial + back + 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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