1 B2 neutral
To reduce a physical object by carefully removing thin layers until it reaches the desired size or shape.
"He shaved down the wooden door so it would close properly."
separable
shave down
B2 neutral separable transitive
To reduce something gradually and carefully, either physically or in terms of size, cost, or quantity.
In plain English
To carefully make something smaller or thinner, little by little.
What does "shave down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To gradually reduce a cost, figure, or quantity by small amounts.
"The finance team managed to shave down the project budget by fifteen percent."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use a blade to gradually make a surface or object thinner in a downward motion.
Actually means
To carefully make something smaller or thinner, little by little.
Usage tip
Often used in practical or technical contexts (woodworking, manufacturing) and figuratively in business (shave down costs, a budget). The image is of thin, careful slicing rather than a large cut.
Words that pair with "shave down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
costs budget wood edges prices time weight
How to conjugate "shave down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
shave down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shaves down
he/she/it
Past simple
shaved down
yesterday
Past participle
shaved down
have + pp
-ing form
shaving down
continuous
Hear "shave down" in the wild
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