Soft-pedaling

Soft-pedaling refers to the act of downplaying or minimizing the intensity of an issue, opinion, or situation to make it seem less significant or severe. The term can be used in various contexts, including political rhetoric, personal discussions, and marketing strategies, where one might intentionally choose to avoid emphasizing potentially negative details or consequences. This approach can be employed for persuasive communication aimed at achieving a specific goal or outcome.

Soft-pedaling meaning with examples

• During the debate, the candidate was accused of soft-pedaling on his previous record, choosing to focus instead on his future plans rather than acknowledging past failures. This tactic was perceived as an attempt to win over voters who were concerned about his integrity and honesty.
• The manager soft-pedaled the company's layoffs during the staff meeting, emphasizing the firm's overall growth and success while minimizing the emotional impact on the employees affected. Colleagues were left confused about their job security due to the lack of transparency.
• In her interview, the author soft-pedaled her novel's darker themes, instead concentrating on the romantic aspects of the story. This strategy likely aimed to attract a broader readership who might shy away from heavier subjects or difficult narratives.
• While discussing the environmental impacts of the new policy, the spokesperson soft-pedaled the potential dangers, focusing instead on the economic benefits to win support from local businesses. Critics argued that this method downplayed a serious issue that required more attention.