cut back

Idioms  

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 .

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Example Sentences

"Hospices across the country want to provide more care in the community but this year we've seen it cut back because of funding pressures. And that is having a knock-on effect in hospitals."

From BBC

Already, she said, other salon owners have had to close, and she cut back her own hours to help her remaining stylists make enough each month.

From Los Angeles Times

That has forced companies to cut back on hiring and left wages depressed.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I try my best to cut back on things but it's hard."

From BBC

Consumers have been cutting back on luxury spending, so companies are pushing beyond products into experiences—cafes, hotels and exhibits—as a way to deepen engagement and brand loyalty.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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