cut back

1. Shorten by cutting, prune, as in It's time we cut back these bushes . [1860s]

2. Reduce, decrease, as in They are going to cut back defense spending , or We have to cut back production . [c. 1940] Also see cut to the bone .

Example Sentences

Moreover, with paychecks on hold during the shutdown, those workers faced added financial strain and have cut back further on dining out.

Read more on Barron's

Heineken last month said its global beer sales would fall next year as drinkers cut back because of pressure on their household budgets.

Read more on BBC

The National Retail Federation notes that holiday shoppers will be looking for deals, and may cut back day-to-day spending to be able to afford gifts.

Read more on Barron's

Airlines began cutting back flights last week, after the FAA ordered air traffic to be reduced by 4% at 40 major airports.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If people who receive those benefits cut back their grocery bills by 15%, total grocery sales would fall 1.8%, he estimated.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• curb 
• curtail 
• cut down 
• decrease 
• lessen 
• lower 
• pare 
• prune 
• reduce 
• retrench 
• shorten 
• slash 
• trim