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downplay the target

[daʊnˈpleɪ ðə ˈtɑːrɡɪt]
verb phrase
minimizar o alvo
1. To deliberately make something seem less important, serious, or significant than it actually is; to reduce emphasis on a goal or objective
The manager decided to downplay the target in order to reduce pressure on the team.
O gerente decidiu minimizar o alvo para reduzir a pressão sobre a equipe.
2. To intentionally understate or diminish the importance of a specific goal or aim
They chose to downplay the target during the presentation to set realistic expectations.
Eles escolheram minimizar o alvo durante a apresentação para estabelecer expectativas realistas.
Synonyms
minimize the targetunderstate the objectivede-emphasize the goalreduce emphasis on the aim
Antonyms
emphasize the targethighlight the objectivestress the goalmagnify the aim

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
minimizar o alvo
Standard usage in business and everyday contexts
São Paulo
diminuir a importância do alvo
More formal variant common in corporate environments
Portugal
minimizar o objectivo
Uses European spelling of 'objectivo'; common in formal contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

play down the stakes
soft-pedal the goal
take the edge off the objective
lower the bar
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