Definition
to present something as less significant or less severe than it actually is
对某事低调处理；减少其重要性或严重性
Despite the severe consequences of the incident, management still tried to play it down.
尽管事件的后果严重，管理层仍然试图低调处理。
She played down the seriousness of the issue in the meeting to avoid causing more panic.
她在会议上淡化了问题的严重性，以避免引起更多恐慌。
He always plays down his achievements to remain humble.
他总是淡化自己的成就，以保持谦虚。