1.
If you ~ something that you have written or said, you make it less forceful, severe, or offensive.
The fiery right-wing leader toned down his militant statements after the meeting...
We have had to ask the agency and their client to tone their ads down.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P
2.
If you ~ a colour or a flavour, you make it less bright or strong.
When Ken Hom wrote his first book for the BBC he was asked to ~ the spices and garlic in his recipes.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P