Play down
Listen here: To Play Down.mp3
This week, we explain the football phrase, to play down. This phrase is used to say that something is not as serious or as likely to happen as journalists say. For example, now that Andre Villas Boas has been sacked from his job as manager of Chelsea, there are many reports that Pep Guardiola will be the next manager. However, he has played down these rumours – meaning we should not believe the reports. The phrase is also used when there are reports that players and managers are arguing. Usually, the club will play down an argument between its staff, saying the problem is not big and now is finished. Last December, Manchester City played down reports of a fight between Micah Richards and Balotelli. To play down.
Here’s another collocation with ‘play down’:
Northern Ireland manager plays down injury scare over star forward – so the meaning is that it is not as bad as everyone thinks and the player will play.
Guardian.co.uk (June 7th 2016)