boil down

verb

boiled down; boiling down; boils down

transitive verb

1

: to reduce in bulk by boiling

2

: condense, summarize

boil down a report

intransitive verb

1

: to undergo reduction in bulk by boiling

2

a

: to be equivalent in summary : amount

his speech boiled down to a plea for more money

b

: to reduce ultimately

your choices boil down to three

Synonyms

• abstract
• brief
• digest
• encapsulate
• epitomize
• outline
• recap
• recapitulate
• reprise
• sum up
• summarize
• synopsize
• wrap up

Examples of boil down in a Sentence

the discussion of the problem can be boiled down to a couple of critical points

Recent Examples on the Web

Unintentional shootings boil down to the instrument: the gun. —John Diedrich, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024

For successful professionals, the difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it often boils down to self-investment. —Shay Levister, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Environmental impacts of bitcoin mining boil down largely to the energy source used. —Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024

The charges against the ex-Congresswoman boil down to three points: cozying up to dictators, spreading conspiracy theories, and echoing Kremlin talking points. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

boil down

verb

: to reduce or become reduced by or as if by boiling

let the sauce boil down

boil down a report