cut back
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++cut back → cut back at cut1(PHRASAL VERB)
cut back
cut back phrasal verb (see also cut)
1. to reduce the amount, size, cost etc of something
cut back on
Several major hospitals are cutting back on staff at the moment.
cut something ↔ back
Education spending cannot be cut back any further.
Richer countries must do more to cut back carbon emissions. ⇨ cutback
2. cut something ↔ back to remove the top part of a plant in order to help it to grow:
Cut back the shoots in spring to encourage bushier growth.
3. to eat, drink, or use less of something, especially in order to improve your health
cut back on
Try to cut back on foods containing wheat and dairy products.
cut back phrasal verb (see also cut)
1. to reduce the amount, size, cost etc of something
cut back on
cut something ↔ back
2. cut something ↔ back to remove the top part of a plant in order to help it to grow:
3. to eat, drink, or use less of something, especially in order to improve your health
cut back on