english
1
general::
Phrase(s): water something down 1. to dilute something. • Who watered the orange juice down? • Jim watered down the orange juice. 2. to water something thoroughly. • Will you water the lawn down tonight? • Water down the lawn this evening so it will grow tomorrow. 3. Fig. to reduce the effectiveness or force of something. (Fig. on Q.) • Please don’t water my declaration down. • The new laws watered down the power of the president.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Dilute or weaken, as in He watered down that unfavorable report with feeble excuses. [Mid-1800s]
American Heritage Idioms