WHITTLE DOWN Meaning and
Definition
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Whittle down is a phrasal verb that refers to gradually reducing or diminishing the size, quantity, or extent of something. It is often used to describe the process of gradually decreasing or eliminating something in order to reach a desired outcome or goal.
The term "whittle down" originated from the practice of carving wood with a knife, where a large piece of wood is gradually chipped away to create a smaller, more refined object. Similarly, when applied figuratively, it implies the act of gradually and skillfully reducing or trimming something.
In a literal sense, "whittle down" can be used to describe the physical action of meticulously shaping an object by removing unnecessary parts while preserving its essential form. For example, a sculptor might whittle down a block of marble to create a statue, carefully removing excess material until the desired shape is achieved.
Furthermore, "whittle down" is widely used in a metaphorical sense to depict the process of steadily eliminating or diminishing various aspects of a larger entity or idea. This could involve reducing expenses in a budget, minimizing a list of potential options, eliminating unnecessary details from a plan, or narrowing down a range of choices to reach a final decision. Overall, "whittle down" encapsulates the gradual and purposeful act of reducing or refining something over time.
Common Misspellings for WHITTLE DOWN
- qhittle down
- ahittle down
- shittle down
- ehittle down
- 3hittle down
- 2hittle down
- wgittle down
- wbittle down
- wnittle down
- wjittle down
- wuittle down
- wyittle down
- whuttle down
- whjttle down
- whkttle down
- whottle down
- wh9ttle down
- wh8ttle down
- whirtle down
Etymology of WHITTLE DOWN
The word "whittle" originates from the Old English word "hwiteln" or "thwiteln", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "thwītaną", meaning "to cut into pieces". It is also related to the Old Norse word "þveita", which translates to "to hew or cut". Over time, "hwiteln" evolved into "whittle", which refers to the act of carving or cutting a piece of wood or material with a knife.
The term "whittle down" combines the word "whittle" with the word "down", which adds the connotation of reducing or diminishing something gradually. Therefore, "whittle down" means to gradually cut away, reduce, or diminish something, often used in the context of reducing the size, quantity, or scope of something.
Idioms with the word WHITTLE DOWN
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whittle down
To reduce or lessen in amount, size, or importance gradually over time.
Similar spelling words for WHITTLE DOWN
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