Phrasal verb
boil down to
To boil down to means to have something as the main or essential point or result.
Meanings
to be reduced to a single main idea, reason, or conclusion
Definition
If something boils down to something else, it can be reduced to its most basic idea, reason, or result. Speakers use it to summarize a complex situation in a simple way. It often introduces the key point after details or explanations.
Examples
- In the end, the decision boils down to money.
- Our argument boils down to a misunderstanding.
- For me, a good vacation boils down to rest and good food.
- Choosing a laptop often boils down to budget and battery life.
Common mistake
Learners often say "boil down" without "to" when they need an object, but the correct pattern is "boil down to + noun/gerund."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.