Grammar fix
water down
weaken (figurative, especially ideas, statements, or policies)
to make something such as a statement, policy, or idea less forceful, direct, or effective, often to make it more acceptable or less likely to cause disagreement
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The committee decided to water down the original proposal to avoid upsetting anyone.
In my opinion, if the government waters down environmental regulations, it could have serious long-term consequences.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The law was watered up after lobbying.
Say: The law was watered down after lobbying.
It's 'water DOWN' (weaken), never 'water up'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Water down' is the idiomatic verb for weakening a policy or statement; 'diluted to render palatable' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
water down + content
- the proposal
- the rules
- the message
- the report