Boil down to

verb

To be summarized or simplified into a fundamental, essential or decisive point or result.

The problem boils down to a basic lack of communication between the two teams.
Visual representation of "boil down to" - To be summarized or simplified into a fundamental, essential or decisive point or result

Often appears as...

  • it boils down to
  • boils down to this
verb

To lessen the amount of something by boiling it.

Boil down the sauce to half its volume to increase the flavor.
Visual representation of "boil down to" - To lessen the amount of something by boiling it

Often appears as...

  • boil down the sauce
  • boil down the liquid

Usage tips

Culinary

verb

To be summarized or simplified into a fundamental, essential or decisive point or result.

The problem boils down to a basic lack of communication between the two teams.
Visual representation of "boil down to" - To be summarized or simplified into a fundamental, essential or decisive point or result

Often appears as...

  • it boils down to
  • boils down to this
verb

To lessen the amount of something by boiling it.

Boil down the sauce to half its volume to increase the flavor.
Visual representation of "boil down to" - To lessen the amount of something by boiling it

Often appears as...

  • boil down the sauce
  • boil down the liquid

Usage tips

Culinary

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "boil down to"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Core Issue

Focuses on the most important aspect of a complex situation or problem.

Illustration for Core Issue
His difficulties in school boil down to a lack of study habits.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Simplifying Matters

Used to simplify a complex topic into the main point for easier understanding.

Illustration for Simplifying Matters
All his complaints boil down to one issue: privacy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Ultimate Result

Refers to the final, most crucial outcome after considering all factors.

Illustration for Ultimate Result
The negotiations boiled down to who would take the lead.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Core Issue

Focuses on the most important aspect of a complex situation or problem.

Illustration for Core Issue
His difficulties in school boil down to a lack of study habits.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Simplifying Matters

Used to simplify a complex topic into the main point for easier understanding.

Illustration for Simplifying Matters
All his complaints boil down to one issue: privacy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Ultimate Result

Refers to the final, most crucial outcome after considering all factors.

Illustration for Ultimate Result
The negotiations boiled down to who would take the lead.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Core Issue

Focuses on the most important aspect of a complex situation or problem.

Illustration for Core Issue
His difficulties in school boil down to a lack of study habits.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Simplifying Matters

Used to simplify a complex topic into the main point for easier understanding.

Illustration for Simplifying Matters
All his complaints boil down to one issue: privacy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Ultimate Result

Refers to the final, most crucial outcome after considering all factors.

Illustration for Ultimate Result
The negotiations boiled down to who would take the lead.
Visual representation of the word "Boil down to"

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