/ˌʌndəˈsteɪtmənt/
[C] a statement that makes sth seem less important, impressive, serious, etc. than it really is 保守的说法；不充分的叙述
To say we were pleased is an understatement (= we were extremely pleased).
说我们高兴，那是轻描淡写。
‘These figures are a bit disappointing.’ ‘That’s got to be the understatement of the year.’
“这些数字有点令人失望。” “那一定是本年度最保守的说法了。”
[U] the practice of making things seem less impressive, important, serious, etc. than they really are 淡化；低调说法
typical English understatement
典型的英国式低调说法
He always goes for subtlety and understatement in his movies.
他总是在自己的电影中运用细腻刻画和淡化手法。