PhrasesHub

simmered down

    Definitions

      • to become calm or less intense
        to describe a situation or person that has become less agitated or heated, often after a period of tension or conflict

      • to decrease in intensity or excitement
        to refer to a situation or feeling that has subsided or lessened, often after reaching a peak or high point

    Examples of simmered down

    • The argument between the two siblings had simmered down by the time their parents returned home.

      In this example, "simmered down" refers to the fact that the argument, which may have been heated or intense at one point, has calmed down or reduced in intensity over time. The use of "simmered" here is a figurative expression borrowed from the process of reducing a liquid, such as a stew or sauce, over low heat until it thickens and concentrates in flavor. In the context of the example, it signifies that the argument has become less contentious and has lost some of its emotional charge.

    • The protestors outside the parliament building eventually simmered down after the government agreed to their demands.

      Here, "simmered down" indicates that the protestors' level of activity or agitation has lessened after they achieved their desired outcome. In this context, "simmered down" can also mean that the protesters have become less vocal or visible, perhaps because they are satisfied with the outcome or have decided to disperse.

    • The tension between the co-workers had simmered down after their boss intervened and mediated the situation.

      In this example, "simmered down" is used to describe how the conflict has reduced in intensity due to external intervention or mediation. The boss's involvement has diffused the animosity between the co-workers, similar to how adding a pinch of salt to boiling water can temper its heat and prevent it from boiling over.

    • The legal dispute between the two parties had simmered down by the time the appeals court issued its final decision.

      Here, "simmered down" denotes that the level of acrimony or disagreement between the litigants has subsided after a prolonged legal battle. In this context, "simmered down" can mean that the parties have accepted the court's ruling, possibly out of exhaustion or acceptance of the outcome. It also implies that the dispute may be resolved, and the parties can move forward without further legal action, much like the way a stew that has thickened and acquired a mellow flavor is ready to be served.

    • After the heated discussion, the tension in the room finally simmered down.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a heated argument or discussion has come to an end and the intensity of emotions has decreased. 'Simmered down' means that the situation has cooled off gradually, just like how food simmers on a low flame, eventually reducing in heat.

    • The protestors simmered down after the police made a compromise.

      Here, the protestors initially displayed high emotions and energy, but eventually, they calmed down as a result of some kind of negotiation or agreement made by the authorities.

    • It took some time, but the conflict between the neighbors simmered down after several meetings and apologies.

      This example shows how a protracted disagreement between two parties can gradually reduce in intensity with the right communication and mutual understanding. The idiom highlights the gradualness of the process, where there's a decrease in the level of tension and negativity.

    • The situation had reached a boiling point, but eventually, it simmered down.

      This example shows how a situation can escalate to a point of intense emotions or confrontation, but eventually, it can be resolved peacefully. The complex metaphor of 'simmering down' underscores the naturalness of this process, where the emotions and energy slowly dissipate over time.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "simmered down" is commonly used to describe a decrease in intensity or agitation. It can be applied to various situations, such as a heated argument that has resolved or a tense atmosphere that has become more peaceful. The phrase suggests a return to a state of calm or a reduction in excitement.

    Overall, "simmered down" is a versatile idiom that can be used to convey the idea of a decrease in intensity or agitation in a wide range of contexts.

    Origin of "simmered down"

    The origin of the idiom "simmered down" can be traced back to the use of the word "simmer" to describe the act of cooking something over low heat. In this context, "simmering down" refers to the process of reducing heat to achieve a gentler cooking temperature, which is analogous to the gradual decrease in intensity or agitation that the idiom conveys.

    The idiom likely originated from the practice of cooking, where the act of simmering something down involves a gradual reduction in heat to achieve a desired result. Over time, this concept was likely applied metaphorically to describe situations or emotions that have calmed or lessened in intensity. The idiom has since become a common phrase in English language usage, conveying the idea of a decrease in intensity or agitation.