cut down
The phrase "cut down" is versatile, commonly used in contexts ranging from physical actions like felling trees to metaphorical uses like reducing quantities or harshly criticizing someone.
Definition
B1General
(common)To reduce the size, amount, or quantity of something.
Example
- I need to cut down on sugar for health reasons.
- They cut down the budget for the project.
A2Forestry
(technical)To fell or bring down a tree by cutting it at its base.
Example
- The old oak tree was cut down last week.
- They cut down the trees to clear the land for farming.
B2Combat
(historical, literary)To kill or incapacitate someone, often in a sudden or violent manner.
Example
- Many soldiers were cut down in the battle.
- The hero was cut down by an assassin.
B2Social
(informal)To criticize or ridicule someone harshly.
Example
- She cut him down with a scathing remark.
- Don't cut people down just to make yourself feel better.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cut down":
chop downcut down to sizecut backcut offcut outcut intobring downcut shortcut incut belowchop offshoot downsaw offput downchop outcut upmow downcut acrossknock downcut to piecestake downhack offcut throughchop upget the chopcut awaycut abovekeep downburn downslim downbring down ontake down a notchmake downblow downgun downcome downturn downcome down onstrike downcall downhack awaycut buddytear downchop it uplower the boomwater downgo downshort downkill offsize downget downdeep cutdamp downcut cornersscale downboil downtalk downtone downdampen downcome down to