soft-ped·al
ˈsȯf(t)-ˈpe-dᵊl 
soft-pedaled; soft-pedaling; soft-pedals
1
: play down, de-emphasize
soft-pedal the issue
2
: to use the soft pedal in playing
1
: a foot pedal on a piano that reduces the volume of sound
2
: something that muffles, deadens, or reduces effect
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“Soft-pedal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soft-pedal. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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