cut down

British  

verb

1. (tr) to fell

2. to reduce or make a reduction (in)

   to cut down on drink

3. (tr) to remake (an old garment) in order to make a smaller one

4. (tr) to kill

   he was cut down in battle

5. to reduce in importance or decrease the conceit of

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cut down Idioms  

1. Kill, as in The troops were cut down one by one as they crossed the field . [Early 1800s]

2. Also, cut down on . Reduce, decrease, as in I want to cut down my caffeine intake , or We have to cut down on our expenses . [Mid-1800s]

3. cut down to size ; knock down to size . Reduce the self-importance of, humble, as in He's so arrogant—I wish someone would cut him down to size , or She really got knocked down to size when her class ranking slipped . [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

If a tree needs to be significantly pruned or cut down, you will enter another stratosphere of cost.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ford Motor F 1.71%increase; green up pointing triangle vehicle sales in the U.S. declined in January as the company continues to cut down on electric-vehicle production.

From The Wall Street Journal

Revealing more about her gut health and dietary needs, Foy said she dramatically cut down on eating gluten or sugar in order to help manage a separate autoimmune condition.

From BBC

He tried to "cut down strenuous exercise" while continuing to work and go for walks but took long-term sick leave in August 2024.

From BBC

Maybe she could attend if she felt comfortable opting out of some activities, or if she could go home early to cut down on hotel costs.

From MarketWatch