[General] draw it mild = don't lay it thick/ be more moderate

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentences from Priestley's “Festival”?

“You couldn’t put on about five thousand, could you?”
“Draw it mild! I wish I could put my hand on five hundred.”

draw it mild = don’t lay it on thick; be more moderate

Thank you for your efforts.

Regards,

V.

 

[Tdol]

I think it could be a bit stronger- more 'get real' or 'No way'- I think the person has no intention of coming up with the 500, let alone more.