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boil down to

Register · Informal CEFR B2
Post

Figurative meaning

to be summarized as or reduced to the most essential point

Why this phrase?

From boiling a liquid until only the essence remains; figuratively means to reduce to the main point.

Example

“The whole argument boils down to money.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Related idioms

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

take home message Neutral · CEFR B2
the main point or lesson you should remember from something
the big picture Neutral · CEFR B2
the overall situation and its most important facts, rather than its details
at the end of the day Informal · CEFR B1
ultimately; when everything is considered
golden rule Neutral · CEFR B1
the most important rule or principle to follow
on the other hand Neutral · CEFR B1
used to introduce a contrasting point of view or alternative
overall picture Neutral · CEFR B1
the complete view of a situation, including all the main parts

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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