# simmer down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/simmer-down
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to become calm or quiet after being angry or excited.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Please simmer down your anger." but "Please simmer down." — the phrasal verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object; one simmers down, one does not simmer down something.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.