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Dial down

Dial down

Meaning

1. Adjust a device to reduce sound or temperature. 2. Reduce one’s emotional reaction to something.

Examples

1. It’s boiling in here. Just dial down the thermostat would you? 2. Okay, so your favourite didn’t win X-Factor. No need to bite the carpet – just dial it down a notch.

Where did it originate?

USA, late 20th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Dial down

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