To cut down
Example: They cut down costs by reducing unnecessary expenses
Definition
"To cut down" means to reduce the amount, size, or number of something, often by removing or decreasing parts. For example, "They cut down costs by reducing unnecessary expenses" illustrates lowering expenses to save money.
Etymology
The phrase "to cut down" originates from the literal act of cutting something, such as a tree, and then extended metaphorically to mean reducing or decreasing other things. It combines the verb "cut," from Old English 'cyttan,' meaning to sever, with "down," indicating direction or reduction.
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"To cut down" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - (B1) - set 6", containing 114 commonly used words.
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