Differences between let down and play down
Let down means to disappoint someone or fail to meet their expectations, while play down means to make something seem less important or serious than it really is.
Meanings and Definitions: let down vs play down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Let down
- 1Disappoint, fail to keep an arrangement.
She failed to turn up and I felt badly LET DOWN.
- 2Make clothes longer.
He's grown so much, we'll have to LET his trousers DOWN.
Play down
- 1Try to make something seem less important.
The Government has tried to PLAY DOWN the importance of the minister's resignation.
Usage Examples: let down, play down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
let down
Example
I don't want to let down my team by not showing up for practice.
Example
She always lets down her friends when they need her the most.
play down
Example
They tried to play down the seriousness of the situation.
Example
She plays down her achievements to avoid seeming boastful.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Let down
To fail to meet someone's expectations or hopes.
Example
I don't want to disappoint my parents by dropping out of college.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Play down
To make something seem less important or serious than it really is.
Example
The company tried to minimize the impact of the data breach on its customers.
To make something seem less significant or serious than it really is.
Example
The politician tried to downplay the scandal by emphasizing his good intentions.
soft-pedal
To downplay or de-emphasize something in order to avoid causing offense or controversy.
Example
The journalist decided to soft-pedal the criticism of the controversial policy to maintain her credibility with the government officials.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “play”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
- slip down
- cool down
- drill down
- kip down
- wind down
Differences in let down vs play down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: let down or play down?
In everyday conversation, let down is more common than play down. This is because disappointment is a common feeling that people experience and express, whereas playing down a situation is not as common.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of let down and play down
Let down and play down are both informal phrases used in casual conversations. However, play down can be used in more formal settings such as business or academic contexts to convey a more understated tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of let down and play down
The tone of let down and play down can differ based on context. Let down often carries a negative or disappointed tone, while play down typically has a neutral or even positive tone, especially when referring to downplaying a problem or conflict.
