trim
gb/tɹˈɪm/ us/tɹˈɪm/
A2
English
~ 6000
igazít, megnyír, visszavág, hajigazítás, igazítás, lefarag, csökkent, szűkít, díszszegély, díszléc, szegély, feldíszít, díszít, szegélyez, karcsú és fitt, sportos alkatú, rendezett, takaros, ápolt, trimmel, beállít, trimm, egyensúlyi helyzet, elver, kiütésesen legyőz, tönkrever, csúnyán megver, elsöprő vereséget mér, fölényesen legyőz, kiüt, lealáz, leiskoláz
VERB
A2
1
Usage pattern:
to trim [something]
I just want to trim the ends of my hair, not change the style.
Csak a hajam végéből szeretnék vágatni, nem akarok frizurát váltani.
He goes outside every weekend to trim the hedge along the driveway.
Minden hétvégén kimegy, hogy megnyírja a kocsibejáró melletti sövényt.
Use sharp scissors to trim the edges of the paper so they are straight.
The gardener trimmed the branches that were hanging over the path.
You should trim your nails regularly to keep them clean and short.
Learner examples
I need to trim my hair.
Meg kell igazíttatnom a hajam.
She trims the plants in her garden every week.
Minden héten visszavágja a növényeket a kertjében.
Please trim the photo so it fits in the frame.
He trimmed his beard before the job interview.
The teacher asked us to trim the paper to make small cards.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'cut' when 'trim' is better. 'Cut' can mean remove a large part or make a big change, while 'trim' usually means a small, careful cut to make something neat. For example, 'trim your beard' means shorten and shape it, not remove it completely.
Meaning
Cut something slightly to tidy it
Collocations
trim your hair
|trim the hedge
|trim the lawn
|trim your nails
|trim the edges
|neatly trimmed
Synonyms
cut (More general; does not suggest a small or neat change the way 'trim' does.)
|
clip (Often used for nails, hair, or small bits; slightly more informal and specific than 'trim'.)
Antonyms
let grow (Means not cutting something so it becomes longer or bigger.)
Themes
daily life
|appearance
|home
|daily_life
|body
|nature
Definition
To cut a small part from something like hair, a hedge, or paper so it looks neat or is the right size.
To cut small parts from the edge or surface of something, especially hair, plants, or material, in order to make it shorter, smoother, or tidier.
NOUN
A2
2
hajigazítás
B1
igazítás
B1
Usage pattern:
to get [a] trim
I think I just need a trim, not a full haircut.
Szerintem csak egy kis igazításra van szükségem, nem teljes hajvágásra.
My bangs are in my eyes again, so I'm going in for a quick trim.
Már megint a szemembe lóg a frufrum, ezért beugrom egy gyors igazításra.
He gets a trim every three weeks to keep his hair looking sharp.
The stylist suggested a trim to remove the split ends.
You can walk in for a trim without an appointment.
Learner examples
Your hair is long. Do you want a trim?
Hosszú a hajad. Szeretnél egy igazítást?
I go to the salon for a trim every month.
Minden hónapban elmegyek a fodrászhoz egy igazításra.
She only asked for a trim, but they cut too much.
You do not need a new style, just a small trim.
He gave me a free trim to fix my hair.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say 'I want to cut my hair a little' instead of 'I want a trim.' In a salon, 'a trim' clearly tells the stylist you only want a small change.
Meaning
A small haircut to tidy hair
Collocations
get a trim
|need a trim
|just a trim
|a quick trim
|a regular trim
Synonyms
haircut (More general; can mean any style change, while 'trim' suggests a small change.)
Antonyms
makeover (Suggests a big change in style, which is the opposite of a small 'trim'.)
Themes
appearance
|daily life
|body
|daily_life
Definition
A haircut where the hair is just made a little shorter or neater, not changed a lot.
A small haircut in which the hair is only slightly shortened or tidied, without changing the style.
VERB
B2
3
Usage pattern:
to trim [an amount]
The company plans to trim its marketing budget by ten percent.
A vállalat azt tervezi, hogy tíz százalékkal lefaragja a marketingköltségvetését.
We need to trim costs if we want to stay competitive.
Le kell faragnunk a költségekből, ha versenyképesek akarunk maradni.
They trimmed the guest list to keep the wedding small.
The airline is trimming the number of flights on this route.
Management has asked all departments to trim unnecessary expenses.
Learner examples
The school must trim its budget this year.
Az iskolának idén csökkentenie kell a költségvetését.
We trimmed the list of names from twenty to ten.
A névsort húszról tízre szűkítettük.
The boss wants to trim travel costs.
They trimmed the team to only five people.
We trimmed our plans so we could finish on time.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say 'cut a little the budget' instead of 'trim the budget' or 'reduce the budget a little.' The usual pattern is 'trim + object' (e.g., 'trim the budget', 'trim costs').
Meaning
Reduce an amount slightly
Collocations
trim the budget
|trim costs
|trim expenses
|trim staff
|trim the list
|trim the schedule
Synonyms
cut back (Often suggests stronger or more general reduction; slightly more informal than 'trim'.)
|
reduce (More general and neutral; does not imply the reduction is small or careful.)
Antonyms
increase (Means to make something larger in amount, the opposite of trimming it.)
Themes
business
|economy
|work
|finance
Definition
To make something like a budget, price, or list smaller, usually by a little, to save money or time.
To reduce something, such as costs, budgets, staff, or time, by a small or moderate amount, often to improve efficiency.
NOUN
B2
4
Usage pattern:
[something] with [color/material] trim
She bought a black dress with white lace trim around the collar.
Vett egy fekete ruhát, a gallérja körül fehér csipkeszegéllyel.
The car comes with chrome trim along the windows and doors.
Az autó az ablakok és az ajtók mentén króm díszlécekkel kapható.
We chose curtains with a simple blue trim to match the sofa.
The jacket has leather trim on the pockets and cuffs.
The wood trim around the windows needs to be repainted.
Learner examples
Her shirt has red trim on the sleeves.
Az inge ujjain piros szegély van.
The table has gold trim around the edge.
Az asztal szélén aranyszegély van.
I like the white trim on this black coat.
They painted the window trim bright blue.
The bag has leather trim on the top.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'trim' with 'train' when talking about clothing. 'Trim' is the decorative edge; 'train' is the long back part of a dress.
Meaning
Decorative edge or border
Collocations
lace trim
|gold trim
|contrast trim
|leather trim
|chrome trim
|door trim
Synonyms
border (More general; can be functional or decorative, while 'trim' usually suggests decoration.)
|
edging (Very similar, but more often used for fabric or craft items.)
Antonyms
plain (Describes something without decoration or trim.)
Themes
fashion
|home
|design
|clothing
|housing
|arts_entertainment
Definition
A thin line or piece of material on the edge of clothes, furniture, or other things that is there to make it look nice.
A narrow decorative edge or border on clothing, furniture, buildings, or vehicles, often made from a different material or color.
VERB
B1
5
Usage pattern:
to trim [something] with [something]
The children helped their parents trim the Christmas tree with lights and ornaments.
A gyerekek segítettek a szüleiknek fényfüzérekkel és díszekkel feldíszíteni a karácsonyfát.
She trimmed the hat with a wide silk ribbon.
Széles selyemszalaggal díszítette a kalapot.
The chef trimmed the cake with fresh berries around the edge.
They trimmed the hall with balloons and streamers for the party.
Her dress was trimmed with delicate lace at the neckline.
Learner examples
We will trim the tree tonight.
Ma este feldíszítjük a karácsonyfát.
They trimmed the room with red and white balloons.
Piros és fehér lufikkal díszítették fel a szobát.
She trimmed her hat with flowers.
He trimmed the cake with chocolate pieces.
The dress is trimmed with gold ribbon.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with the 'cut' meaning and think 'trim the tree' means cut the tree itself. In holiday contexts, 'trim the tree' almost always means decorate it.
Meaning
Decorate, often around edges
Collocations
trim the tree
|trim the Christmas tree
|trim the hat with ribbon
|trim the cake with fruits
|trim the dress with lace
|trim the edges with gold
Synonyms
decorate (More general; does not emphasize the idea of edges or borders as strongly.)
|
adorn (More formal and literary; suggests making something beautiful.)
Antonyms
strip (Means to remove decorations, the opposite of trimming something with them.)
Themes
home
|celebrations
|fashion
|arts_entertainment
|clothing
|daily_life
Definition
To make something look nicer by putting things on it, for example, lights on a tree or ribbon on a hat.
To decorate something, especially by adding items along its edges or surface, such as ribbons on clothing or lights on a tree.
B1
6
Usage pattern:
[someone] is trim
He stays trim by running five kilometers every morning.
Úgy marad karcsú és fitt, hogy minden reggel öt kilométert fut.
She looked remarkably trim after months of regular exercise.
A több hónapnyi rendszeres testmozgás után feltűnően karcsú és fitt volt.
The actor kept himself trim for the demanding action role.
Even in her sixties, she is still slim and trim.
A healthy diet helped him get back to a trim figure.
Learner examples
She is very trim because she swims every day.
Azért ilyen karcsú és fitt, mert mindennap úszik.
He wants to be trim for the summer.
Nyárra karcsú és fitt szeretne lenni.
My grandfather is still trim and strong.
They go to the gym to stay trim.
After losing weight, he looks trim and happy.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'trim' with 'thin.' 'Thin' can sound negative or unhealthy, but 'trim' is usually positive and suggests healthy fitness.
Meaning
Slim and physically fit
Collocations
stay trim
|keep trim
|slim and trim
|neat and trim
|a trim figure
|trim waistline
Synonyms
slim (Very similar, but 'trim' more strongly suggests good health or fitness.)
|
fit (Focuses more on health and strength; may not always imply thinness.)
Antonyms
overweight (Describes someone who has too much body fat, the opposite of trim.)
Themes
appearance
|health
|sports
|body
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Thin and healthy-looking, without extra fat.
Slim and in good physical shape, with little or no extra body fat.
B2
7
Usage pattern:
[something] looks trim
The cottage has a trim little garden in front.
A házikó előtt takaros kis kert van.
His trim uniform made him look very professional.
Rendezett egyenruhájában nagyon professzionálisnak tűnt.
The lawn is always perfectly trim and green.
She keeps a trim office with nothing on the floor.
The hotel’s trim grounds were carefully maintained.
Learner examples
They live in a trim white house.
Takaros fehér házban élnek.
The garden looks trim and clean.
A kert rendezettnek és tisztának látszik.
Her room is always trim and tidy.
The park is small but very trim.
He wears a trim blue jacket to work.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'clean' when 'neat' or 'trim' is better. 'Trim' focuses on shape and order, not just lack of dirt.
Meaning
Neat, tidy in appearance
Collocations
a trim lawn
|a trim garden
|a trim little house
|trim uniform
|smart and trim
Synonyms
tidy (Very close in meaning; 'trim' can also suggest a compact, neat shape.)
|
neat (Very similar; 'trim' is a bit more visual and physical in feel.)
Antonyms
messy (Describes something not neat or ordered, the opposite of trim.)
Themes
appearance
|home
|daily life
|daily_life
|clothing
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Looking clean and tidy, with everything in good order.
Neat, tidy, and well-ordered in appearance, especially describing clothes, buildings, or small spaces.
VERB
C1
TECHNICAL
8
Usage pattern:
to trim [a vessel/vehicle/controls]
The pilot trimmed the aircraft to maintain level flight.
A pilóta kitrimmelte a repülőgépet, hogy vízszintes repülésben maradjon.
You need to trim the sails as the wind changes direction.
Ahogy változik a szél iránya, trimmelni kell a vitorlákat.
He adjusted the motor to trim the boat so it would plane more easily.
The co-pilot carefully trimmed the controls after takeoff.
Divers must trim their gear to achieve neutral buoyancy underwater.
Learner examples
The captain trimmed the sails in the strong wind.
A kapitány trimmelte a vitorlákat az erős szélben.
The pilot trims the plane so it flies straight.
A pilóta úgy trimmeli a gépet, hogy egyenesen repüljön.
We trimmed the boat so it did not lean to one side.
She learned how to trim the small aircraft in flying school.
The instructor showed them how to trim the controls.
Meaning
Adjust balance of boat or plane
Collocations
trim the sails
|trim the boat
|trim the aircraft
|trim the controls
|trim the rudder
Synonyms
adjust (A broad technical verb; does not specifically mention balance or angle.)
Antonyms
destabilize (Means to make something less stable in movement, the opposite of trimming it correctly.)
Themes
transport
|science
|technology
|transportation
|travel
Definition
To change the position or balance of a boat or plane so it moves better.
To adjust the balance or angle of a vehicle or vessel, especially a boat or aircraft, so that it moves smoothly and efficiently.
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
9
trimm
C2
Usage pattern:
[a vessel] is in trim / out of trim
The boat’s trim was off, causing it to ride low at the stern.
A hajó trimmje nem volt megfelelő, ezért a tatja túl mélyen ült a vízben.
Proper trim is essential for fuel-efficient flight.
A megfelelő trimm elengedhetetlen az üzemanyag-takarékos repüléshez.
The diver adjusted his weights to improve his trim underwater.
Changing the cargo position can significantly affect a ship’s trim.
The instructor explained how wing flaps affect the aircraft’s trim.
Learner examples
The pilot checked the trim before the flight.
A pilóta a repülés előtt ellenőrizte a trimmet.
The boat was not in trim and leaned to the left.
A hajó nem volt megfelelő trimmben, és balra dőlt.
Good trim makes the plane fly more smoothly.
They changed the trim by moving the boxes in the ship.
The diver practiced keeping good trim in the pool.
Meaning
Balance or angle of craft
Collocations
in trim
|out of trim
|adjust the trim
|proper trim
|trim controls
Synonyms
balance (More general; 'trim' is a specific kind of balance in vehicles and vessels.)
|
attitude (Technical term in aviation for the orientation of an aircraft.)
Antonyms
imbalance (Describes a state where weight or forces are not balanced, opposite of correct trim.)
Themes
transport
|science
|technology
|transportation
|travel
Definition
The way a boat or plane is balanced or angled when it moves.
The balance or angle of a boat, aircraft, or other vehicle in the water or air, especially as adjusted for efficient movement.
VERB
C1
INFORMAL
10
Usage pattern:
to trim [someone/team]
Our team got trimmed 5–0 in the final.
A csapatunkat 5–0-ra elverték a döntőben.
They really trimmed their main rivals in last night’s game.
A tegnap esti meccsen alaposan elverték a fő riválisaikat.
If we don’t improve our defense, we’re going to get trimmed again.
The visitors trimmed the home side by four tries to one.
We were completely trimmed in the second half.
Learner examples
Their team trimmed us by three goals.
A csapatuk három góllal elvert minket.
We got trimmed again last weekend.
Múlt hétvégén megint csúnyán kikaptunk.
If we play badly, they will trim us.
They trimmed the other school in the final match.
We do not want to get trimmed this time.
Common mistake:
Learners may think this is the same as the 'cut' meaning. In sports news, 'trim' here means 'defeat by a lot', not 'cut' or 'make smaller'. It is informal and often used with teams.
Meaning
Defeat someone by a lot
Collocations
trim the opposition
|trim their rivals
|got trimmed
|trimmed us by three goals
Synonyms
thrash (Informal; suggests a very heavy defeat, stronger than 'trim'.)
|
beat (More common and general; does not always suggest a large margin.)
Antonyms
lose to (Means to be defeated by someone, the opposite of trimming them.)
Themes
sports
|competition
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To win against someone by a big score, especially in a game or sport.
To defeat someone by a large margin, especially in sports or informal competition.
Grammar
Dictionary form
trim
IPA
GB/tɹˈɪm/
US/tɹˈɪm/
Syllables & stress
trim (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (trim)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: trim
- Comparative: trimmer
- Superlative: trimmest
Noun
- Base: trim
- Plural: trim, trims
Verb
- Base: trim
- 3rd Person Singular: trims
- Present Participle: trimming
- Past: trimmed
Word family
Forms
trims
noun
trimming
verb
trimmed
verb
trimmer
adjective
trimmest
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
untrimmed
adjective B2
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: trimming Verb
- Irregular past: trimmed Verb
- Irregular comparative: trimmer Adjective
- Irregular superlative: trimmest Adjective
Expressions
in trim
1/ˈɪn tɹˈɪm/
fixed phrase
In good condition or shape
In good physical shape or in good working condition.
Examples
- He keeps himself in trim by cycling to work.
- The garden is in trim after a weekend of work.
slim and trim
1/slˈɪm ˈænd tɹˈɪm/
fixed phrase
Thin and physically fit
Thin and in good physical shape.
Examples
- After months at the gym, she’s looking slim and trim.
- He stays slim and trim by watching what he eats.
trim away
1/tɹˈɪm əwˈeɪ/
phrasal verb
Remove by cutting
To remove something by cutting it off, especially extra or damaged parts.
Examples
- Trim away any dead leaves from the plant.
- The carpenter trimmed away the rough edges from the board.
trim back
1/tɹˈɪm bˈæk/
phrasal verb
Cut or reduce something
To cut parts off something like a plant, or to reduce something like spending or plans.
Examples
- You should trim back those bushes before they block the window.
- The government announced plans to trim back public spending.
trim down
1/tɹˈɪm dˈaʊn/
phrasal verb
Reduce weight, size, or amount
To make something smaller, especially body weight, size, or an amount like costs or a list.
Examples
- I’ve been trying to trim down before the summer holidays.
- The company is trimming down its workforce to save money.
trim off
1/tɹˈɪm ˈɔf/
phrasal verb
Cut off an unwanted part
To cut away a piece you don’t want from something, for example fat from meat or rough edges from paper.
Examples
- Trim off any excess fabric before you start sewing.
- He trimmed off the fat from the meat before cooking it.
trim one’s nails
1/tɹˈɪm wˈʌnz nˈeɪlz/
fixed phrase
Cut nails to keep them neat
To cut your fingernails or toenails so they are short and tidy.
Examples
- You should trim your nails regularly.
- He forgot to trim his nails before the interview.
trim something to size
1/tɹˈɪm sˈʌmθɪŋ tə sˈaɪz/
fixed phrase
Cut to the needed size
To cut something so that it becomes the exact size you need.
Examples
- Trim the paper to size before you glue it onto the card.
- The carpenter trimmed the board to size to fit the shelf.
trim the budget
1/tɹˈɪm ðə bˈʌd͡ʒɪt/
fixed phrase
Reduce a planned budget
To lower the amount of money that is planned for something.
Examples
- We’ll have to trim the budget if sales don’t improve.
- The city decided to trim the budget for public events.
trim the sails
1/tɹˈɪm ðə sˈeɪlz/
idiom
formal
Adjust behavior to conditions
To change your plans, opinions, or behavior so they fit a new situation, often to gain an advantage.
Examples
- The company trimmed its sails when the market began to fall.
- Politicians often trim their sails to match public opinion.
trim the tree
1/tɹˈɪm ðə tɹˈi/
fixed phrase
Decorate a Christmas tree
To put lights and other decorations on a Christmas tree.
Examples
- We always trim the tree together on Christmas Eve.
- The children helped trim the tree with lights and ornaments.
trim the fat
1/tɹˈɪm ðə fˈæt/
idiom
Remove unnecessary parts or costs
To remove things that are not needed, especially to save money, time, or effort.
Examples
- The editor trimmed the fat from the article to make it clearer.
- The new manager wants to trim the fat from the project budget.
- We need to trim the fat from our budget.
- We trimmed the fat from our schedule and focused on the most important tasks.