cut down

verb

1. (tr) to fell

2. to reduce or make a reduction (in)

   to cut down on drink

3. (tr) to remake (an old garment) in order to make a smaller one

4. (tr) to kill

   he was cut down in battle

5. to reduce in importance or decrease the conceit of

Idioms and Phrases

Kill, as in The troops were cut down one by one as they crossed the field . [Early 1800s]

Also, cut down on . Reduce, decrease, as in I want to cut down my caffeine intake , or We have to cut down on our expenses . [Mid-1800s]

cut down to size ; knock down to size . Reduce the self-importance of, humble, as in He's so arrogant—I wish someone would cut him down to size , or She really got knocked down to size when her class ranking slipped . [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, videos posted on social media show people climbing lampposts with a ladder to cut down flags which had been put up in Maryhill, Glasgow.

From BBC

“I expect, and kind of know, that my reps are going to get cut down,” Williams said.

From Los Angeles Times

Some creators said they use AI to help hash out concepts, cut down on production costs and showcase bold ideas.

From Los Angeles Times

"There are teams on either side of a gully cutting into the hillside and cutting down trees to create a firebreak," she explained.

From BBC

Models B and C would see four cut down to three, with B featuring equal funding of £6.9m and C having two elite clubs on £6.9m and a development side on £5.4m.

From BBC