Differences between lock down and play down
Lock down means to secure or restrict a place or situation, usually to prevent people from entering or leaving. Play down means to make something seem less important or serious than it actually is.
Meanings and Definitions: lock down vs play down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Lock down
- 1Make very secure.
If you lock down your computer properly, it is very difficult for people to access it.
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: lock down, play down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
lock down
Example
The school decided to lock down the campus after receiving a threat.
Example
She locks down her computer every night before leaving the office.
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 Lock down
To protect or make something safe from harm or danger.
Example
The police were called to secure the area after the robbery was reported.
To isolate or separate people or animals who may have been exposed to a contagious disease.
Example
The passengers who arrived from the affected country were quarantined for two weeks to prevent the spread of the virus.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Play down
To make something seem less important or serious than it actually is.
Example
The politician tried to minimize the impact of the scandal by blaming the media for exaggerating it.
To make something seem less significant or severe than it actually is.
Example
The coach tried to downplay the team's poor performance by emphasizing their progress in training.
soft-pedal
To avoid emphasizing or drawing attention to something in order to avoid controversy or conflict.
Example
The CEO decided to soft-pedal the company's layoffs to avoid negative publicity.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “lock”
Phrasal Verbs with “play”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in lock down vs play down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: lock down or play down?
In everyday conversation, play down is more common than lock down. This is because play down can be used in various situations, such as downplaying a mistake or minimizing a problem, while lock down is more specific and often used in security or emergency contexts.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of lock down and play down
Lock down and play down are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, lock down may be more suitable for formal settings such as workplace safety protocols or emergency procedures.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of lock down and play down
The tone of lock down and play down can differ based on context. Lock down often carries a serious or urgent tone when related to security or safety measures, while play down typically has a dismissive or nonchalant tone, especially when referring to downplaying a situation or issue.
