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

Pointing out it would only be available for seated ticket holders, he added that it would cut down on plastic waste.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

Law enforcement agencies across the region told The Times they’re trying to increase education for parents and young riders to cut down on dangerous crashes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Higher crude prices likely would emerge and cut down on demand, preventing inventories from hitting tank bottoms, Hoffman said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

To help cut down the fishy smell, top the fish with your choice of acid, like fresh lemon juice or rice vinegar.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

She had already ring-barked a thick muktva tree to cut down later.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer