make (something) neat or of the required size or form by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts., decorate (something), especially with contrasting items or pieces of material., reduce the size, amount, or number of (something, typically expenditure or costs).

trim down, trim the sails, trim the fat

Formal and Informal Expressions of trim

In different contexts, you can replace 'trim' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'neaten, tidy up, reduce' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'cut, clip, prune, shear, dress up' is a commonplace synonym.

trim: Explore its Definition & Usage

trim Definition

1make (something) neat or of the required size or form by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts.
2decorate (something), especially with contrasting items or pieces of material.
3reduce the size, amount, or number of (something, typically expenditure or costs).

Using trim: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trim" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She trimmed the bushes to give them a neat appearance.
Example
The dress was trimmed with lace and pearls.
Example
We need to trim our expenses to stay within budget.
Example
He trimmed his beard before the job interview.
Example
The company is planning to trim its workforce by 10%.

trim Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for trim

Antonyms for trim

Phrases with trim

trim down
to reduce the size or amount of something
Example
I'm trying to trim down my wardrobe by donating clothes I don't wear anymore.
trim the sails
to adjust the sails of a boat in order to sail more efficiently
Example
The captain asked the crew to trim the sails to catch more wind.
trim the fat
to remove unnecessary or unwanted parts of something in order to make it more efficient or effective
Example
The manager decided to trim the fat from the company's budget by eliminating non-essential expenses.

Origins of trim

from Middle English 'trimmen', meaning 'to prepare, make ready'

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Summary: trim in Brief

The verb 'trim' [trɪm] means to make something neat or of the required size or form by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts. It can also mean to decorate something or reduce the size, amount, or number of something. Examples include 'She trimmed the bushes to give them a neat appearance' and 'We need to trim our expenses to stay within budget.' Phrases like 'trim down' and 'trim the sails' extend the meaning to reducing size or adjusting sails for efficiency.