To "put on the soft pedal" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the world of music and refers to creating a softer sound by gradually and delicately applying pressure to the pedal that controls the tone of a piano. In a more figurative sense, it means to decrease or diminish the intensity, impact, or attention given to something, especially in order to avoid controversy, confrontation, or negative consequences.
When someone puts on the soft pedal in a conversation or argument, they purposefully downplay or minimize their opinions, emotions, or actions. This could be done to avoid upsetting others, to maintain harmony, to avoid conflict, or to protect oneself from negative reactions. By doing so, individuals may try to appear less aggressive, assertive, or confrontational, and instead adopt a more passive or diplomatic approach.
This expression can also be used to describe situations in which someone lessens the significance or publicity of an event, issue, or situation. It implies a conscious decision to play down or subdue the importance, impact, or attention given to something in order to dampen its effects or consequences.
Overall, "putting on the soft pedal" is an idiom conveying the idea of intentionally reducing the strength, significance, or impact of something, whether it is the tone of a musical instrument or the intensity of a conversation, argument, or situation.
