Example: Je moet soms een toontje lager zingen om rust te bewaren.
Definition
"Een toontje lager zingen" means to speak or act more modestly or with less intensity, often to avoid conflict or maintain peace. It suggests lowering one's tone or approach to create a calmer or more agreeable atmosphere, as in the example phrase.
The phrase "een toontje lager zingen" literally translates to 'singing a tone lower' in Dutch. It originates from musical terminology where singing a tone lower means reducing pitch. Metaphorically, it implies lowering one's voice or attitude to be less confrontational or demanding.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Een toontje lager zingen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to become less arrogant