Definition

Verb: - To reduce something gradually by repeatedly removing small parts or amounts; to diminish or pare down through a series of small, incremental actions.

Usage

The verb "whittle down" is used to describe the process of making something smaller, weaker, or less significant by taking away small pieces over time. It often implies patience, persistence, and a gradual approach to reduction. It is typically used with an object.

Examples

• The team needs to whittle down the list of candidates from fifty to just five.
• We managed to whittle down our debt by making small, regular payments.
• The sculptor whittled down the block of wood until only a delicate figure remained.

Advanced Usage

• "to whittle down to [a core/specific thing]": To reduce a larger group or set until only the most essential or desired elements remain.
  • After several rounds of interviews, we whittled the applicants down to a core group of three highly qualified individuals.

Variants and Related Words

• Whittle (verb): To carve wood by cutting small slices from it with a knife. This is the original, more literal meaning from which "whittle down" is derived.
  • He sat on the porch, content to whittle a stick.

Synonyms

• Pare down: To reduce something, especially by cutting away outer parts.
• Trim down: To reduce the size or amount of something.
• Narrow down: To reduce the number of possibilities or options.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Whittle away (at): Very similar to "whittle down," meaning to gradually reduce the strength, value, or size of something.
  • Inflation has been whittling away at our savings for years.

Related Idioms

• Whittle something down to size: To reduce the importance, power, or ego of someone or something.
  • The new manager's tough policies quickly whittled the arrogant team down to size.

Verb

1. cut away in small pieces