1
general::
1. Make little of, minimize the importance of, as in A skillful salesman plays down the drawbacks of the product and emphasizes its good features. [First half of 1900s] 2. play down to. Lower one's standards to meet the demands of someone, as in Some stand-up comics deliberately play down to the vulgar taste of their audiences. [Late 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): play someone or something down
to lessen the effect or importance of someone or something. • John is a famous actor, but the director tried to play him down as just another member of the cast. • Her lawyer tried to play down her earlier arrest.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs