bɔɪl daʊn tuː
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- boil
- Particles:
- down to
- Separable:
- No
What does "boil down to" mean?
To be reduced to the most essential point
Examples
- The argument boils down to a disagreement about money.
- It all boils down to whether you're willing to take the risk.
- The problem boils down to poor communication.
- What the report boils down to is that we need more funding.
How to use it
Used to simplify complex issues to their core.
Similar expressions
come down to
amount to
reduce to
Related phrasal verbs
Use it in a practice answer
Try "boil down to" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.