whittle down

Money is the only thing that moves her, and when she has taken a bribe she will whittle down the service to the finest point.

Ive got to whittle down the end of the mast to make it fit in, declared Tom after a trial.

He admits of no exception to whittle down this great and divine law of love.

It would be midsummer madness to reject or whittle down a claim so backed.

Mr. Hatfield had warned them that Mr. Merrimac might be inclined to whittle down the five hundred dollar pledge.