cut down
B1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
To reduce the size, amount, or number of something; to fell or shorten.
To reduce consumption, spending, or an activity; to kill, particularly with a weapon; to reduce someone's pride or arrogance (cut down to size); to shorten text or a speech.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive phrasal verb, often requiring an object (cut down *something*). Can be separable (cut it down) or inseparable (cut down on sugar). The sense 'kill' is often used in narratives.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Cut down on' for reduction is equally common. The literal meaning of felling trees is identical.
Connotations
Similar across both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in the 'reduce consumption' sense (cut down on tea).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cut down [NP]cut down on [NP]cut [NP] downcut down [NP] to sizeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cut down to size”
- “cut down in one's prime”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To reduce costs or staff numbers (We need to cut down on overheads).
Academic
To summarize or reduce the length of a text (The chapter was cut down for the journal).
Everyday
To reduce consumption of food/drink or spending (I'm cutting down on coffee).
Technical
In forestry/agriculture, to harvest trees or crops.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We had to cut down the old oak tree as it was unsafe.
- The doctor advised him to cut down on biscuits.
American English
- They're cutting down costs by streamlining operations.
- The soldier was cut down by enemy fire.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He cut down the tree in his garden.
- Try to cut down on sweets.
- The company is cutting down on travel expenses.
- The article was too long, so I cut it down.
- Her arrogant comments were designed to cut him down to size.
- Deforestation involves cutting down vast areas of forest.
- The promising young athlete was tragically cut down in his prime.
- The editor cut down the manuscript by a third for publication.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine using giant scissors (CUT) to make a tall number (like spending or a tree) fall DOWN to a smaller size.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS VERTICAL SIZE (Less is down).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "резать вниз". For reduction, use "сокращать". For killing, "сразить" or "застрелить". For trees, "срубить".
Common Mistakes
- *I need to cut down my coffee. (Missing 'on')
- *He was cut down by a illness. (Use 'struck down' for illness)
Practice
Quiz
In the context of editing, 'cut down' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 'Cut down the tree' or 'Cut the tree down'. However, 'cut down on' is not separable ('cut on sugar down' is incorrect).
They are often synonymous for reduction. 'Cut back' can sound slightly less abrupt and is common with spending/gardening. 'Cut down' is more common with consumption (food, drink) and for literal felling.
Not directly. 'Cut down to size' means to humiliate or reduce someone's arrogance. A simple insult is not typically described as 'cutting down'.
It is neutral but leans slightly informal, especially 'cut down on'. In formal writing, 'reduce', 'decrease', or 'curtail' might be preferred.