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simmer

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simmer down

 

1. Lit. to decrease in intensity. (As boiling dies down when the heat is lowered or removed.) The hectic activity of the day finally simmered down. When things simmer down in the fall, this is a much nicer place.

2. Fig. [for someone] to become calm or less agitated. I wish you would simmer down. Please simmer down, you guys!

See also: down, simmer

simmer down

Become calm after anger or excitement, as in Simmer down, Mary; I'm sure he'll make it up to you, or I haven't time to look at your report now, but I will when things have simmered down a bit . This idiom derives from simmer in the sense of "cook at low heat, below the boiling point." [Second half of 1800s]

See also: down, simmer

simmer down

v.

1. To become calm after excitement or anger: We left him to simmer down after the argument.

2. To reduce a liquid by heating it to a simmer and allowing the water to evaporate: We simmered down the chili until it was thick enough to hold a spoon upright. Return the sauce to the pan and simmer it down to a medium thickness.

See also: down, simmer

simmer (down)

1. in. to reduce one’s anger. Simmer down, you guys.

2. in. to get quiet. I waited till things began to simmer down, and then I started.

See also: down, simmer

simmer

verb

See simmer down