Whittle down

usgb
verb

To reduce something gradually.

The list of candidates was whittled down to four.
Visual representation of "whittle down" - To reduce something gradually

Often appears as...

  • whittle down costs
  • whittle down debt
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "whittle down"
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Gradual Process

Involves slowly decreasing in stages, not all at once.

Illustration for Gradual Process
We need to whittle down our expenses over the next few months.
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Narrowing Choices

Used when selecting the best options from many by eliminating others.

Illustration for Narrowing Choices
After reviewing all applications, we whittled down the candidates to a select few.
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Strategic Reduction

Implies a thoughtful, deliberate approach to reduction.

Illustration for Strategic Reduction
The team worked to whittle down the number of potential project risks.
Visual representation of the word "Whittle down"

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