soft pedal
/sɔft ˈpɛdəl/
verb
- To make something seem less important, serious, or noticeable; to downplay.
- The company soft-pedaled the product's flaws in its advertising.
- The politician tried to soft-pedal the controversial issue during the interview.
- She soft-pedaled her achievements to avoid seeming boastful.
- To play a musical instrument (especially a piano) using the soft pedal to produce a quieter sound.
- He soft-pedaled the chords to match the singer's quiet voice.
- The pianist soft-pedaled the final movement for a gentle ending.
- In the lullaby, she soft-pedaled each note to create a soothing effect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun
- A pedal on a piano that reduces the volume or changes the tone.
- She pressed the soft pedal to play the quiet section.
- The soft pedal on this piano is very responsive.
- He learned to use the soft pedal for delicate passages.