cut back
To spend less money or do less of something, or to trim a plant to make it grow better.
Meanings
To reduce spending, production, or activity, especially to save money.
"The company has cut back on hiring because of the economic slowdown."
"We need to cut back on our spending."
— Widely used phrase in UK and US government budget speeches; commonly attributed to political discourse from the 2008 financial crisis period.
To prune or trim a plant by cutting its branches or stems back.
"You should cut back the rose bushes in late autumn to encourage new growth in spring."
To return to a previous location or point, often suddenly or in a zigzag pattern.
"The fox cut back across the field, confusing the dogs that were chasing it."
Very common in economic and personal finance contexts ('cut back on spending'). Also widely used in gardening ('cut back the roses in autumn'). Often followed by 'on' when intransitive.
Commonly used with
Forms
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