1650s, alteration of simperen "to simmer" (late 15c.), possibly of imitative origin. Figurative sense, of feelings, "to be agitated" is from 1764. Opposite sense, in simmer down, first recorded 1871.
"I must and will keep shady and quiet till Bret Harte simmers down a little." [Mark Twain, letter, 1871]
in. to reduce one's anger. : Simmer down, you guys.
in. to get quiet. : I waited till things began to simmer down, and then I started.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition. Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Example sentences
In top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, or on low power in a microwave, melt butter and chocolate together.
Things are simmering in the heat and you lose your shape slowly until you become a gas.
They had slaughtered a sheep, and a meal of mutton had been simmering on a wood stove since we'd arrived.
Check food regularly while it's simmering, baking, boiling or roasting.
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat until simmering.
Food is place on a rack or in a steamer basket over boiling or simmering water on a covered pan.
Race relations are mainly good, but there are simmering resentments.
While simmering, prepare a two egg omelet on the side.
When cooking, try to minimize simmering of liquids and foods.
The meat, fish or poultry is added to the simmering liquid, which is then reduced to a slow simmer.