# dial down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dial-down
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to make something less strong or intense. You use this when you want to lower the volume or make a situation calmer.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He needs to dial down on the rhetoric." but "He needs to dial down the rhetoric." — The verb is transitive and does not take the preposition 'on' before the object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.