Expression: Mettre de l’eau dans son vin
Meanings: to tone it down, to be more moderate
Literal translation: to put water in one’s wine
Register: normal
Notes: The French expression mettre de l’eau dans son vin can be used literally or figuratively. The literal meaning – to water down one’s wine – is not often used because adding water to wine in order to lessen the alcohol content is no longer a common practice.
Figuratively, mettre de l’eau dans son vin has two somewhat related meanings: to tone it down (show less animosity) and to be more moderate (make concessions).
Example:
Je ne pense pas que les menaces marchent avec lui – il faut mettre de l’eau dans ton vin et essayer une autre tactique.
I don’t think threats work on him – you need to tone it down and try another tactic.
Mon École-French School 