water sth ↔ down phr v [T] 1 to change a statement, plan etc in a way that makes it less effective, weaker etc 减弱〔某物的效力〕，削弱: The proposals have been watered down. 这些提议已被修改，作用大打折扣。 2 to make alcoholic drinks weaker by adding water, in order to deceive people 在〔酒〕中掺水，稀释: The whisky had been watered down. 这威士忌酒掺过水。