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whittle down

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Legal, Encyclopedia 0.01 sec.
whittle something down (to size) and whittle something down
to cut or diminish something to a more appropriate size or to the proper size. I whittled the peg down to size and it fit in the hole perfectly. You are going to have to whittle down expenses.
See also: whittle

whittle something down also whittle something away
to gradually reduce or destroy something By halftime our team's lead had been whittled down to only two points. College is so expensive, after two years, my college fund has been whittled away to almost nothing.
Usage notes: also used in the form whittle away at something: Over the past year, we've whittled away at our debts.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of whittle (to shape a piece of wood by cutting strips or small pieces from it with a knife)
See also: whittle


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The judges are joined by Kylie Minogue, Will Young, Ronan Keating and Sinitta, who will be helping them make the tough decisions needed to whittle down the contestants to the final 12.
Marima becomes the third MDC MP in the past month to be acquitted of trumped-up charges which Zanu PF is trying to use to whittle down the ruling party?
The tie-up will whittle down the number of major players further, while also relegating market leaders O2 and Vodafone to second and third place.
 
 
 
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