trim the fat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trim the fat" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to eliminating unnecessary elements or reducing excess in a process, project, or budget. For example, "We need to trim the fat from our budget to save costs." Alternative expressions include "cut the excess" and "eliminate waste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

First, trim the fat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We need to trim the fat".

The New York Times

Critics suggest that nonetheless we at the county level should be able to "trim the fat".

The New York Times

I do have something inside me that tends to trim the fat as I'm thinking".

The Guardian - Books

"You trim the fat after you broil it, not before," Frank adds.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The government has finally agreed to trim the fat," reads the headline.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

After trimming the fat, we rubbed the leg all over with a marinade.

The New York Times

But while trimming the fat, retailers must also beef up the things that matter to customers.

The New York Times

Carmelo Anthony has trimmed the fat, while Kenyon Martin, Marcus Camby and Nene provide a fast and formidable front line.

The New York Times

Eg, is it too early to say that we would make savings by trimming the fat from this incompetent government?

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, trimming the fat from a vehicle's bodywork, components and accessories costs roughly $2 a pound.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "trim the fat", ensure the context is clear regarding what is being reduced. Be specific about the areas targeted for streamlining to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "trim the fat" as a vague term for cost-cutting without identifying specific areas. This can lead to unintended consequences or ineffective measures. Clearly define the areas where reductions are appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trim the fat" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as a verb phrase. It signifies the act of reducing unnecessary elements, resources, or expenses to improve efficiency or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "trim the fat" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that means to reduce unnecessary expenses or streamline processes. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across various sources, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While the phrase is widely accepted, it is important to define what "fat" is being trimmed to avoid ambiguity. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "optimize resources" or "eliminate waste" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cut expenses

Focuses specifically on reducing monetary costs.

streamline operations

Emphasizes making processes more efficient and less complex.

reduce overhead

Targets the reduction of indirect costs or administrative expenses.

eliminate redundancies

Highlights the removal of duplicated or unnecessary tasks.

optimize resources

Focuses on using available resources more effectively.

pare down

Implies reducing something gradually or systematically.

cut back

A more general term for reducing quantity or extent.

downsize

Often refers to reducing the size of a workforce or company.

tighten belts

Suggests a period of financial austerity and reduced spending.

economize

Stresses the importance of avoiding waste and being thrifty.

FAQs

How can I use "trim the fat" in a sentence?

You can use "trim the fat" to describe reducing unnecessary expenses or streamlining processes. For example, "The company decided to "trim the fat" from its budget by cutting non-essential projects".

What's a business-friendly way to say "trim the fat"?

In a business context, consider using phrases like "optimize resources" or "streamline operations" to convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

Is it acceptable to use "trim the fat" in formal writing?

While "trim the fat" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, opt for more precise terms like "reduce expenditures" or "eliminate waste".

What does "trim the fat" imply beyond cost reduction?

Beyond simply reducing costs, "trim the fat" often implies improving efficiency and removing unnecessary elements to achieve a more streamlined and effective operation. You can also consider options like "cut expenses" or "pare down".