play down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

SoftBank executives play down the risks of the financing deals, noting the sums are small in the context of a company with hundreds of billions of dollars in assets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Rubio, a devout Catholic, sought to play down the rift ahead of the private audience, which will be followed by talks with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Spurs ultimately funnelled Villa's play down the middle while also setting up to have numerous players in that area of the pitch.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

On Monday, Sir Keir sought to play down any sense of a rift with the civil service when he told MPs: "We have thousands of civil servants who act with integrity and professionalism every day."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

When he was little, he used to play down here with Robb and Jon and his sisters.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin