Cut down

Meaning

The idiom "cut down" means to weaken or destroy something by criticizing it harshly or by attacking its foundations. It can also refer to reducing something to a lower state, such as cutting down a tree.

Usage

• The CEO's decision to cut down the marketing budget caused a lot of frustration among the employees.
• In his speech, the president cut down his opponents with sharp and witty remarks.
• She tried to cut down her smoking habit by taking up running.
• The new manager's leadership style was met with criticism from some employees who felt it cut down their autonomy.
• We need to cut down on our carbon footprint if we want to combat climate change. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context, such as whether it is referring to a specific action or a general state of being. Additionally, the tone in which the criticism or attack is delivered can affect how harshly the idiom is perceived.

Roots and History

The phrase "cut down" has been used since at least the 15th century, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. It originally referred to cutting down a tree by felling it with an axe or saw. Over time, the idiom came to be used figuratively to describe any action that reduces something to a lower state.

Synonyms in English

• bring down
• undermine
• destroy
• defeat
• weaken

Synonyms in other languages

• French - abattre (to fell)
• Spanish - cortar (to cut)
• German - fallen (to fall)
• Italian - abbattere (to smash)
• Portuguese - cortar (to cut)

Similar Idioms

• cup of tea

• cupboard love

• come what may