Dial back Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To reduce the strength, intensity, or amount of something. Commonly used to suggest someone should be less forceful, aggressive, or energetic.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used in both personal and workplace settings for emotions, volume, behavior, or rhetoric. Typical phrases: 'dial back the anger', 'dial back the noise'. Sometimes used literally (volume) but more often figuratively (intensity, effort, etc.). Not interchangeable with 'turn down' in all contexts.
Example Sentences
Can you dial back the music a little?
basic
Please dial back your anger.
basic
He had to dial back his spending after losing his job.
basic
If you dial back the caffeine, you might sleep better.
natural
She needs to dial back her excitement during meetings.
natural
Let’s dial back the jokes and focus on work now.
natural