Water down Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈwɔtɝ/ /ˈdaʊn

WAW-ter DOWN

UK

wˈɔːtɐ/ /dˈaʊn

WAW-tuh DOWN

Definition

To make a liquid weaker by adding water; also, to make something less strong or less effective, especially an idea, statement, or criticism.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal; 'water down' is often used in discussions of criticism, news, laws, or drinks. Common in phrases like 'watered-down version.' Don't use for physically washing with water.

• Spanish: diluir - suavizar (expresión, crítica, etc.)
• Portuguese (BR): diluir - suavizar (crítica, opinión)
• Portuguese (PT): diluir - suavizar (crítica, opinião)
• Chinese (Simplified): 稀释 - 弱化（意见、批评等）
• Chinese (Traditional): 稀釋 - 弱化（意見、批評等）
• Hindi: पानी मिलाना - हल्का करना (कठिन बात, विचार आदि)
• Arabic: يُخَفِّف - يُخَفِّف المعنى (ينقص من الشِدة أو القوة)
• Bengali: পাতলা করা - দুর্বল করা
• Russian: разбавить - смягчить
• Japanese: 薄める - 和らげる
• Vietnamese: pha loãng - làm nhẹ đi
• Korean: 약하게 만들다 - 희석하다
• Turkish: sulandırmak - hafifletmek
• Urdu: پتلا کرنا - نرم کرنا
• Indonesian: mengencerkan - memperlemah

Example Sentences

His story was interesting, but the editor watered it down a lot.

natural

Can you water down the juice for the kids?

basic

The manager watered down the report before sending it.

basic

Don't water down your opinion just to please others.

basic

They had to water down the law to get enough votes.

natural

Some movies get watered down to avoid upsetting viewers.

natural