Reduce to doing

usgb
phrase

Forced to do something as a last resource due to desperate or unpleasant circumstances.

After losing his job, he was reduced to begging for money to pay his bills.
Visual representation of "reduce to doing" - Forced to do something as a last resource due to desperate or unpleasant circumstances.

Often appears as...

  • reduce to begging
  • reduce to tears
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "reduce to doing"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Desperate Situations

Use it when someone has no choice but to do something undignified or unwanted due to bad circumstances.

Illustration for Desperate Situations
After the earthquake, the residents were reduced to living in makeshift tents.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Emotion

Implies feelings of sadness or disappointment, often resulting from a significant downgrade in situation or status.

Illustration for Negative Emotion
An elite athlete, she was reduced to coaching peewee soccer after the injury.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Impact

Can indicate an action that causes a strong emotional reaction like crying or desperation.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
The relentless criticism reduced him to tears.
Visual representation of the word "Reduce to doing"

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