trim back
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To reduce the amount, size, or extent of something; to cut back.
Usage
The verb "trim back" is used to describe the action of making something smaller or less extensive. It often implies a careful or controlled reduction, as if pruning a plant. It is commonly used in contexts like finance, gardening, business operations, and personal habits.
Examples
- The company had to trim back its spending to survive the economic downturn.
- In autumn, it's time to trim back the rose bushes.
- We need to trim back our project timeline by two weeks.
Advanced Usage
- "to trim back on [something]": This prepositional phrase emphasizes the area being reduced.
- The government is planning to trim back on military expenditure.
Variants and Related Words
- Trim (verb): To make something neat or of the required size or form by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts. (e.g., )
- Cut back (phrasal verb): A direct synonym meaning to reduce. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Reduce
- Decrease
- Cut down
- Scale back
- Pare down
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Cut back: To reduce the amount, number, or size of something.
- They cut back production due to lower demand.
Verb
- cut down on; make a reduction in
- reduce your daily fat intake
- The employer wants to cut back health benefits