cut something down to size

cut something down to size
cut (someone/something) down to size to make someone or something less important or detailed.

When he started the job he thought he knew everything, but we soon cut him down to size.

Sometimes we have to cut our grand dreams down to size.


New idioms dictionary. 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • cut something down to size — reduce the size or power of something, for example an organization, that is regarded as having become too large or powerful …   Useful english dictionary

  • cut someone down to size — cut (someone/something) down to size to make someone or something less important or detailed. When he started the job he thought he knew everything, but we soon cut him down to size. Sometimes we have to cut our grand dreams down to size …   New idioms dictionary

  • cut something down to … — ˌcut sthˈdown (to…) | ˌcut ˈdown (on sth) derived to reduce the size, amount or number of sth • We need to cut the article down to 1 000 words. • The doctor told him to cut down on his drinking. • I …   Useful english dictionary

  • cut down to size — cut (someone/something) down to size to make someone or something less important or detailed. When he started the job he thought he knew everything, but we soon cut him down to size. Sometimes we have to cut our grand dreams down to size …   New idioms dictionary

  • scale something down — REDUCE, cut down, cut back, cut, decrease, lessen, lower, trim, slim down, prune. → scale * * * scale something down (or scale down) reduce something (or be reduced) in size, number or extent, esp. by a constant proportion across the board… …   Useful english dictionary

  • cut — adjective make or design (a garment) in a particular way: → cut cut verb (cutting; past and past participle cut) 1》 make an opening, incision, or wound in (something) with a sharp tool or object. 2》 remove (something) from something larger by… …   English new terms dictionary

  • cut — cut1 W1S1 [kʌt] v past tense and past participle cut present participle cutting ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 1¦(reduce)¦ 2¦(divide something with a knife, scissors etc)¦ 3¦(make something shorter with a knife etc)¦ 4¦(remove parts from film etc)¦ 5¦(make a… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • cut — 1 /kVt/ verb past tense and past participle cut present participle cutting 1 DIVIDE WITH KNIFE ETC (T) to divide something into two or more pieces using a sharp tool such as a knife: Do you want me to cut the cake? | The thieves had cut the phone …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • cut — cut1 [ kʌt ] (past tense and past participle cut) verb *** ▸ 1 use knife/sharp tool ▸ 2 have ability to cut ▸ 3 injure part of body ▸ 4 reduce/lower ▸ 5 on computer ▸ 6 stop something moving/working ▸ 7 make something shorter ▸ 8 divide playing… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • cut down — verb 1. cut down on; make a reduction in (Freq. 8) reduce your daily fat intake The employer wants to cut back health benefits • Syn: ↑reduce, ↑cut back, ↑trim, ↑trim down, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

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