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cut down on

Phrasal verbLevel B1

To use or do less of something, usually to be healthier or save money.

I'm trying to cut down on sugar, so I only have one biscuit with tea.

Use 'cut down on + noun' to mean 'use less of something'. It doesn't mean stop completely.

Comic strip. Kofi: Coffee, Diego? Three sugars, as always? Diego: No, thanks. I want to cut off sugar. Steventeacher: Almost! You cut DOWN ON sugar. You still eat some. Diego: I'm cutting down on sugar. Two sugars, please!
Steventeacher explains “cut down on”.
Your turn
What are you trying to cut down on this month?