Meaning of SOFT PEDAL

WordNet Dictionary
	Definition:		[n]  a pedal on a piano that moves the action closer to the strings and so soften the sound [v]  play down or obscure; "His advisers soft-pedaled the president's blunder"
	See Also:		background, downplay, foot lever, foot pedal, forte-piano, pedal, piano, pianoforte, play down, treadle