Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrasal verb:
The spokesperson tried to _____ the media frenzy by issuing a calm, factual statement.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The phrasal verb 'tone down' means to make something less intense, severe, or extreme. In the given sentence, the spokesperson is trying to reduce the intensity of the 'media frenzy' by providing a calm, factual statement. Hence 'tone down' the most appropriate choice.