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soft-pedaling

[/ˈsɔːft ˈpɛdəlɪŋ/]
verb (gerund/present participle)
amenização, suavização, minimização
1. To downplay, minimize, or treat something with less emphasis or urgency than it deserves
The government was soft-pedaling the economic crisis to avoid public panic.
O governo estava minimizando a crise econômica para evitar pânico público.
2. To reduce the intensity, force, or severity of something
She was soft-pedaling her criticism to spare his feelings.
Ela estava amenizando suas críticas para poupar seus sentimentos.
3. To use the soft pedal on a piano while playing
The pianist was soft-pedaling during the delicate passage.
O pianista estava usando o pedal suave durante a passagem delicada.
NYC Slang
playing it cool, keeping it low-key
Synonyms
downplayingminimizingunderstatingde-emphasizingsugar-coating
Antonyms
emphasizinghighlightingamplifyingexaggeratingstressing

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
amenização, minimização, suavização
Common usage in formal and informal contexts
Portugal
atenuação, minimização, suavização
Slightly more formal tone preferred
Rio de Janeiro
jogo de cintura, suavizar
Colloquial expression often used
São Paulo
diminuir a intensidade, minimizar
More direct and business-oriented usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

soft-pedal the truth
soft-pedal one's approach
soft-pedaling the issue
not soft-pedaling criticism
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