whittle down
中高级 (B2) neutral
To slowly make a big list or number smaller until it's a good size.
"We have whittled the applicants down to just five candidates for the final interview."
在语境中听
The Universe Is Racing Apart. We May Finally Know Why.
PBS Space Time · 17:00
Statistics lets us whittle down uncertainty.
Nihilism Is Taking Over Modern Society. Here’s Why.
Pursuit of Wonder · 7:54
phenomenon seems to whittle down our