Culips Everyday English Podcast Catch Word #286 – Tone it down
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Jul 17, 2025 Discover how to deftly navigate social atmospheres with two key expressions: 'tone it down' for when someone is being overly loud or intense, and 'get off your high horse' for those acting superior. Learn the fine line between polite requests and being too direct, along with the importance of adjusting communication styles. Engaging anecdotes and relatable examples highlight the necessity of humility in everyday interactions, making this a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their English conversations.
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How to Use "Tone It Down"
- Use "tone it down" to ask someone to lower their volume or energy to a more suitable level for the situation.
- This applies to behavior, voice volume, clothing colors, and even decor choices that are too loud or bright.
Andrew's Band Practice Example
- Andrew used "tone it down" during band practice to ask friends to play their instruments more quietly.
- Parents also say this to children when they are too loud or hyper in inappropriate contexts.
Making "Tone It Down" Polite
- When asking someone to tone it down, use qualifying words like "a bit" or "a little" to sound more polite.
- Use polite phrasing such as "Could you tone it down a bit?" instead of direct commands to soften your request.
