PARE

[verb] [T] - to cut away (the outer layer) from (something, esp. a fruit or a vegetable), or (figurative) to reduce (something), esp. by a large amountHe was busy paring apples in the kitchen.Pare off any bits of pear skin that don't look very nice. [M]Have you got some sharp scissors that I can pare (= make shorter) my nails with?(figurative) Because of the current economic recession a lot of companies have pared their staff (down). [T or M](figurative) The three-hour play has been pared (down) to two hours. [T or M]If something has been pared (down) to the bone it has been reduced to a level at which only what is necessary is left.Expenses have been pared down to the bone for some months now.