1
general::
1. Shorten by cutting, prune, as in It's time we cut back these bushes. [1860s] 2. Reduce, decrease, as in They are going to cut back defense spending, or We have to cut back production. [c. 1940] Also see CUT TO THE BONE.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): cut something back
to prune plants; to reduce the size of plants, bushes, etc. • Let’s cut these bushes back. They’re getting in the way. • Don’t cut back my roses!, Phrase(s): cut back
to turn back; to reverse direction. • Suddenly, the bull cut back in our direction and began chasing us. • The road cuts back about a mile ahead, and it goes west again., Phrase(s): cut back (on something)
to reduce the use, amount, or cost of something. • You are all going to have to cut back on water usage. • You simply must cut back on office expenses.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs