to water down
[phrase form: water]
01
和らげる, 薄める
to make something such as a law, suggestion, etc. less intense, complicated, or forceful, typically by removing or reducing certain parts of it
Transitive: to water down a content or plan
例
The initial draft of the bill aimed to impose strict environmental regulations, but it was watered down after pressure from industry lobbyists.
法案の最初の草案は厳しい環境規制を課すことを目的としていたが、業界のロビイストからの圧力の後で骨抜きにされた。
02
薄める, 水で薄める
to make something less strong by adding water to it
Transitive: to water down a substance
例
The chef had to water down the sauce to balance the flavors.
シェフは味のバランスを取るためにソースを薄める必要がありました。
03
和らげる, 弱める
to weaken the effectiveness of something such as an idea, opinion, speech, etc., usually by softening the language or removing content that might upset or offend people
Transitive: to water down sth
例
The movie's original ending was too intense, so they decided to water it down to make it more suitable for a wider audience.
映画のオリジナルのエンディングはあまりにも強烈だったので、より広い観客層に適するように和らげることに決めました。
