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

1. cut down on; make a reduction in
   • reduce your daily fat intake
   • The employer wants to cut back health benefits