take it down a notch

take it down a notch

To be less intense, serious, or extreme, as in some emotion, behavior, or action. Usually said as an imperative. I've been trying to take my perfectionism down a notch recently. I know everyone is excited to see what the machine is capable of, but we all need to take it down a notch before someone get hurt. Take it down a notch, Bob—there's really no need to get so upset about this.See also: down, notch, take