Related Clues:

• Hurdles for language learners
• Figures of speech
• Subdues, with 'down'
• Clever turns of phrases
• Some dictionary entries
• Modulates, with 'down'
• Firms muscles
• Colors
• Pitch steps
• Busy signals, e.g.
• Steps on a scale
• Dialects of a region
• Musical sounds
• Color gradations
• Staff notes?