cut back

1. Shorten by cutting, prune, as in It's time we cut back these bushes . [1860s]

2. Reduce, decrease, as in They are going to cut back defense spending , or We have to cut back production . [c. 1940] Also see cut to the bone .

Example Sentences

The researchers also modeled what would happen if we didn't cut back, and the outlook was not so sunny.

From Science Daily

Karim has worked here for 15 years, cutting back his hours when foot traffic fell off.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Andrew Purbrick, who represents 300 GP practices across the south of England, said many would be forced to cut back on staffing or close.

From BBC

But other politicians and unions have warned that older or vulnerable people with disabilities could risk their health by cutting back on heating their homes as a result.

From BBC

When chief engineer Brian Fraser urged the crew to cut back on the illuminations, the ship's radio officer wrote him a cheeky reply - in rhyme.

From BBC

Related Words

• curb
• curtail
• cut down
• decrease
• lessen
• lower
• pare
• prune
• reduce
• retrench
• shorten
• slash
• trim