winnow down

To sort through a big group and get rid of the ones that don't make the cut, leaving only the best.

"The committee winnowed down three hundred applications to a shortlist of twelve."

Hear it in context

Baseball Dictionary with George Brett, Pete Fairbanks, and Tim Kurkjian | Sources Tell Jeff Passan

ESPN MLB · 1:26

to callull through and winnow down to a manageable number.

Panthers Live Press Conference

Carolina Panthers · 30:31

of winnow down what you're looking for in a player at all?

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