My sister was so modest that she "played down" the importance of the award she recieved for saving an injured cat. ("Played down" is the idiom.) Thanks.
2007-10-07 16:51:34 · 3 answers · asked by apples. 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
she made it seem as though it wasn't as big a deal as it really was.
2007-10-07 16:56:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To "downplay" or "play down" is to de-emphasise the importance or significance of something. It suggests either modesty on the part of an individual if it is with reference to one's own accomplishment or possession; and denigration, if it is with reference to someone else's. (i.e. " He downplayed the role his wife played in selecting the menu.")
The idiom most likely grew out of stage actors' descriptions of manners of acting. It is probably associated with phrases like "to upstage" and "to steal the spotlight", In that sense, "to downplay" is to act in an understated manner and thereby draw attention, just as lowering your voice in a speech will cause people to focus on what you are saying.
2007-10-08 00:04:04 · answer #2 · answered by Kelapabesar 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's like saying that it was nothing. "I'm not a hero, just did what was right."
2007-10-07 23:56:38 · answer #3 · answered by JaxJagsFan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋