water down
[verb]
Synonyms: dilute, thin, water, weaken

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

water something ↔ down phrasal verb (see also water)

1. to make a statement, report etc less forceful by changing it or removing parts that may offend people – used to show disapproval:
The report of the investigation had been watered down. ⇒ watered-down

2. to add water to a drink to make it less strong Synonym : dilute

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

water down
water down (something)
to make something weaker.
Some people say the new regulations water down several laws that protect people who rent apartments in the city.

Once the bill is introduced, he's worried that lawmakers will water it down.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of water down something (= to add water to a liquid to weaken things mixed in it)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

water down something
water down (something)
to make something weaker.
Some people say the new regulations water down several laws that protect people who rent apartments in the city.

Once the bill is introduced, he's worried that lawmakers will water it down.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of water down something (= to add water to a liquid to weaken things mixed in it)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

water down
to change and make something weaker; make weak, dilute
The manager tried to water down our proposal for the new quality control system.

The new policy was a watered down version of the old one.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

water something down
to change and make something weaker; make weak, dilute
The manager tried to water down our proposal for the new quality control system.

The new policy was a watered down version of the old one.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

water down
v. To change and make weaker; weaken.
The Senator argued that the House should water down the bill before passing it.
The African American did not accept watered down Civil Rights legislation.
After talking with the management about their demands, the workers agreed to water them down.
The teacher had to water down the course for a slow-learning class.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲