She 'played/acted dumb' [=pretended to know or understand less than she really did] so we would assign her the easier tasks.
She thinks television is contributing to the 'dumbing down' of America.
Cutting training programs will 'dumb down' the American workforce.
(..) I got here Auto Repair... ...and Soap Carving. Trade skills and hobbies. Under "Educational," behind you. Count of Monte Crisco. That's "Cristo," you dumb shit. By Alexandree... ...Dum-ass. Dumb ass. Dumb ass? Dumas. Know what that's about? (..)1994 The Shawshank Redemption
(..) That's what he left me. Dollars? That's great! That's like winning the sweepstakes. Isn't it? Dumb shit, what do you think the government will do to me? Take a big wet bite out of my ass is what. Poor Byron. Terrible fucking luck, huh? (..)1994 The Shawshank Redemption