cutting down
phrasal verbUK /ˌkʌtɪŋ ˈdaʊn/
US /ˌkʌtɪŋ ˈdaʊn/
Cutting down means making something shorter or smaller by cutting it.
They are cutting down the big tree in the garden.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Eating or drinking less of something to be healthier.
She is cutting down on sweets this month.
3. Making something like a cost or amount smaller.
The school is cutting down on paper use.
4. Making someone feel less confident or important.
His mean words were cutting down her confidence.