Winnow out

usgb
verb

To remove or get rid of unwanted or less valuable parts, leaving the best.

The competition is intense, and only the best players will be able to winnow out the weaker ones.
Visual representation of "winnow out" - To remove or get rid of unwanted or less valuable parts, leaving the best.

Often appears as...

  • winnow out the weak
  • winnow out the ineffective
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "winnow out"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Selective Filtering

Think of separating wheat from chaff. 'Winnow out' involves a selection process that keeps the best.

Illustration for Selective Filtering
After reviewing all applications, we will winnow out the most promising candidates.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Quality Emphasis

'Winnow out' implies a focus on quality by discarding the less desirable.

Illustration for Quality Emphasis
The edit process helped us winnow out errors in the manuscript.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Reduction

The phrase suggests cutting down on quantity to improve quality or efficiency.

Illustration for Reduction
The company decided to winnow out excess product lines.
Visual representation of the word "Winnow out"

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