whittle down (Meaning)

Wordnet

whittle down (v)

cut away in small pieces

The task was so immense that we needed to whittle down the to-do list into smaller chunks.
The team worked diligently, whittling down the potential candidates to a select few.
Through careful budgeting and negotiations, we were able to whittle down the project costs significantly.
The artist patiently whittled down the block of wood, creating an intricate sculpture.
The company's research department spent months whittling down the data to identify valuable insights.
The lawyer skillfully whittled down the opposing counsel's arguments until there was nothing left.
The debate continued for hours, each side trying to whittle down the other's points.
The organization whittled down its expenses, streamlining its operations to become more efficient.
The editor carefully whittled down the manuscript, removing unnecessary words and phrases.
The sculptor whittled down the clay, shaping it into a delicate and expressive figure.

cut away in small pieces

cut back,cut down, turn down, knock down, decrease, ease, reduce, slash, lower, pare

take, choose, appoint, accept, tap, select, designate, tap, add (to), settle (on or upon)

The task was so immense that we needed to whittle down the to-do list into smaller chunks.

The team worked diligently, whittling down the potential candidates to a select few.

Through careful budgeting and negotiations, we were able to whittle down the project costs significantly.

The artist patiently whittled down the block of wood, creating an intricate sculpture.