underplay

verb (used with object)

1. to act (a part) sketchily.
2. to act subtly and restrainedly.
3. to understate or de-emphasize; downplay: The ambassador underplayed his role in the peace negotiations.

verb (used without object)

4. to leave out of one’s acting all subtlety and enriching detail.
5. to achieve an effect in acting with a minimum of emphasis.

verb

1. to play (a role) with restraint or subtlety
2. to achieve (an effect) by deliberate lack of emphasis
3. (intr) cards to lead or follow suit with a lower card when holding a higher one