talk down

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talk down

An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).

intransitive verb phrase

1. (to be condescending toward; used with "to")

a. hablar con aires de superioridad a

Duane talks down to everyone now that he's been promoted to assistant to the regional manager.Duane le habla a todo el mundo con aires de superioridad desde que lo ascendieron a asistente del director regional.

A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).

transitive verb phrase

2. (to dissuade)

a. convencer de bajar

The troubled teen stood on the edge of the building for nearly 20 minutes before a Good Samaritan managed to talk him down.El adolescente perturbado estuvo casi 20 minutos en la cornisa del edificio antes de que un buen samaritano lo convenció de bajar.

This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.

no direct translation

The investors were furious when they heard what had happened, but the CEO managed to talk them down from pulling out.Los inversionistas se pusieron furiosos cuando se enteraron de lo que había pasado, pero el director logró calmarlos y convencerlos de que no se retiraran.

Veronica had a bit of a meltdown, but Angelica calmly talked her down and helped her to see that the change wasn't all bad.Verónica casi tiene un colapso, pero Angélica habló con ella y pudo tranquilizarla y ayudarla a ver que el cambio no era malo del todo.

3. (to downplay)

a. restarle importancia a

The mayor tried to talk down the budgetary crisis, but many city officials aren't taking it so lightly.El alcalde trató de restarle importancia a la crisis presupuestaria, pero a muchos funcionarios municipales no les parece que carezca de importancia.

Examples