cut back

Definitions

1. 1

   To reduce the amount of (something).

   • The foliage is out of control and needs to be cut back.
   • Some U.S. banks are cutting back their dealings with embassies and other foreign institutions in the United States because of the difficulty of complying with money-laundering rules, the Wall Street Journal reported.
   • The organization has slimmed down and cut back on its education programming, but the Jazz Market remains a critical gathering place in Central City, and the orchestra is more tightly bonded than before.
2. 2

   To reduce spending.

   • We need to cut back heavily on office supplies. Is there another vendor we can use?
3. 3

   To reduce consumption.

   • He needs to cut back on doughnuts. He weighs 289 pounds!
   • I've cut back to one pack of cigarettes a week.
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To perform the cutback maneuver.

      • I cut back again myself and went over the top of the wave.
   2. 5

      To use a short cut

      To use a short cut; to move to a location to block someone; to cut someone off

      • He almost scored but the defender cut back to him.

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