cut back

To make something smaller in amount or length, including by removing parts of a plant.

• Please cut back the hedge.
• The company cut back its opening hours.
• We have cut the rose bushes back.

How to use it: cut something back (We cut the bushes back every spring.); cut back on something (The factory is cutting back on production.)

Similar words: reduce, trim, prune

Opposites: increase, expand

Common phrases: cut back branches, cut back production, cut something back

To spend less money than before.

• We must cut back this month.
• They cut back on spending after losing their jobs.
• Can we cut back on restaurant meals?

How to use it: cut back on something (We need to cut back on travel expenses.)

Similar words: economize, save, tighten one's belt

Opposites: splurge

Common phrases: cut back spending, cut back costs, cut back sharply

To eat, drink, or use less of something than before.

• I drink too much coffee and should cut back.
• She has cut back on alcohol.
• Could you cut back on the amount of salt you use?

How to use it: cut back on something (My doctor told me to cut back on sugar.)

Similar words: reduce, limit

Opposites: increase

Common phrases: cut back gradually, cut back significantly, cut back further

When surfing, to turn sharply back toward the breaking part of a wave.

• The surfer cut back smoothly.
• He cut back toward the foam.
• Can you cut back without losing speed?

How to use it: cut back toward something (She cut back toward the breaking wave.)

Common phrases: cut back sharply, cut back smoothly, cut back again

To take a shorter route so that you can get in someone's way and stop them.

• The defender cut back and blocked him.
• She cut back across the field to intercept the runner.
• He almost reached the goal, but a defender cut back to him.

How to use it: cut back to someone (The defender cut back to the forward and blocked his run.)

Similar words: cut off, intercept

Common phrases: cut back quickly, cut back across, cut back inside