lower (someone's) expectations

Translations
снизить ожидания (кого-то)
The coach tried to lower the team's expectations before the big game.
Тренер пытался снизить ожидания команды перед важной игрой.
Definitions
To reduce the level of hope or belief that someone has regarding a particular outcome or situation, often to prevent disappointment or to align with a more realistic perspective.
Words
expectation

noun
ожидание
lower

verb
опускать