English / phrasal verb
water down
MEANING IN ENGLISH
To dilute a liquid; to make a rule, plan, or safety regulation weaker, less potent, or less effective.
In context
01
Passenger safety associations urged transport authorities not to water down high-speed rail safety inspections.
02
The rail operator refused to water down the punctuality standards despite recurring winter weather challenges.
Synonyms
Dilute,Weaken,Soften
Antonyms
Strengthen,Intensify,Tighten
Collocations
Water down safety standards,Water down regulations,Water down a proposal