# shave down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shave-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To reduce something in size or thickness by gradually removing thin layers or cutting it down closely.

## Examples

- You need to shave down the wood to make it fit.
- The carpenter had to shave down the edges of the door so it would close properly.
- To ensure the mechanism operated without friction, the engineer had to carefully shave down the metal components until they reached the precise dimensions required.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.