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water down

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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 {2}.) Please don't water my declaration down. The new laws watered down the power of the president.

See also: down, water

water down something

also water something down

to make something weaker Some people say the new regulations water down several laws that protect people who rent apartments in the city. Once the bill is introduced, he's worried that lawmakers will water it down.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of water down something (to add water to a liquid to weaken things mixed in it)

See also: down, water

water down

Dilute or weaken, as in He watered down that unfavorable report with feeble excuses. [Mid-1800s]

See also: down, water

water down

v.

1. To dilute or weaken something by adding water: The dishonest bartender watered down the liquor. The cook watered the sauce down.

2. To decrease the value of a share of stock, or the value of some group of shares, by increasing the number of shares available for sale: Investors are concerned that stock option grants will water down their holdings. I hope that decision doesn't water the stock values down.

3. To reduce the strength or effectiveness of something: In the end, the legislation was watered down by multiple amendments. The speaker watered his message down with lots of boring stories.

4. To wet the surface of something entirely: The fire department watered down the houses near the brush fire. The road crew watered the dusty road down.

See also: down, water