Idiom
scale back somethingscale back (something)
to reduce the size or amount of something.The search for the child was scaled back sharply today, with almost a third of the volunteers heading home.The program was very effective, but the plan now is to scale it back.
Usage notes: also used in the form scale down:
The original jury award of $10 million was scaled down to $250,000 by the judge.
Opposite of: ramp up (something)