cut back
Third Person
cuts back
Present Participle
cutting back
Past Tense
cut back
Past Participle
cut back
1
to decrease something such as size or cost, to make it more efficient, economical, or manageable
transitive
- Faced with financial challenges, the company had to cut back on its workforce.
- Environmental initiatives aim to encourage people to cut back on energy consumption.
- In an effort to save money, the family decided to cut back on unnecessary expenses.
- The government implemented policies to cut back on carbon emissions and combat climate change.
- The school had to cut back on extracurricular activities due to budget constraints.
2
to go back in time
- In times of stress, some people may emotionally cut back to earlier, simpler stages of their lives.
- The novel's narrative often cut back to the protagonist's childhood, providing insights into their formative years.
- Memories can unexpectedly cut back to moments of joy or sorrow, influencing our present emotions.
- The documentary skillfully used flashbacks to cut back and explore the historical context of the events being portrayed.
Synonyms:
3
to do or consume less of something such as food or activities, usually to improve overall health
transitive
- Due to environmental concerns, the city decided to cut back on industrial emissions.
- Health officials recommended that individuals cut back on their intake of processed foods for better well-being.
- To promote a healthier work-life balance, the company decided to cut back on overtime hours.
- The doctor advised him to cut back on sugary snacks to improve his overall health.
4
to cut off the top parts of a tree, bush, or other plant to either reduce their size or help them grow
transitive
- The gardener advised cutting back the rose bushes in early spring to stimulate new growth.
- To maintain the hedge's neat appearance, it's essential to cut back the overgrown branches regularly.
- The orchard owner decided to cut back the fruit trees to ensure a more bountiful harvest the following season.
- It's advisable to cut back herbs regularly to prevent them from becoming too leggy and to encourage bushier growth.
- Before winter, many gardeners choose to cut back perennial plants to protect them from frost and promote vitality in the next growing season.