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to cut back
[phrase form: cut]
01
to decrease something such as size or cost, to make it more efficient, economical, or manageable
Transitive: to cut back on sth
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
action verb
regular
separable
particle
back
base verb
cut
present tense
cut back
3rd person singular
cuts back
present participle
cutting back
past simple
cut back
past participle
cut back
Examples
Faced with financial challenges, the company had to cut back on its workforce.
02
to go back in time
Intransitive: to cut back | to cut back to a time
Examples
In times of stress, some people may emotionally cut back to earlier, simpler stages of their lives.
03
to do or consume less of something such as food or activities, usually to improve overall health
Transitive: to cut back on food or activities
Examples
Due to environmental concerns, the city decided to cut back on industrial emissions.
04
to cut off the top parts of a tree, bush, or other plant to either reduce their size or help them grow
Transitive: to cut back a plant
Examples
The gardener advised cutting back the rose bushes in early spring to stimulate new growth.
