reduced to doing

reduce (one) to (doing something)

To cause, force, or bring one to perform some humble, unbefitting, or undignified action or behavior. Often used in passive constructions. I can't believe I was reduced to begging for my job when they threatened to fire me. Those idiotic lawmen will never reduce me to pleading for my life.
See also: reduce
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

reduced to doing something

brought into a certain humble condition or state. The poor man was reduced to begging for food.
See also: reduce
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • reduce (one) to (doing something)
  • reduce to
  • sandwich (someone or something) between (someone or something else)
  • sandwich between
  • promote
  • promote (one) from (something) to (something else)
  • accredit
  • accredit (one) with (something)
  • tap
  • tap someone
References in periodicals archive
So it is reduced to doing the only thing it can do in such a situation: bomb targets from the air and hope the other side surrenders -- out of sheer terror or out of hunger.
Is anyone in the West paying attention to what is happening in Idlib?
The problem is not arming the police it's the lack of police numbers and the fact that they are reduced to doing social work rather than policing and being able to lawfully apprehend and not being disrespected by the kids knowing they cannot be touched!
All British police officers should carry guns, says Telegraph poll
He is an ageing, cravat-wearing actor named Phoenix Buchanan with a moderate career behind him, brooding about one day getting a one-man thesp spectacular in London's West End but now reduced to doing Clement Freud-style dog food TV ads.
'Paddington 2' film review: Hugh Grant steals show
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YOUR HOROSCOPE WITH
& reduced to doing this weekend that could be ' For weekly readings call 0903 658 2006 (75p/min + access charge) JUNE 22 - JULY 22 The Full Moon in Capricorn stresses all forms of partnerships.
Justin Toper
It's what you're reduced to doing this weekend that could be embarrassing.
YOUR HOROSCOPE WITH
Having the President exercise that unprecedented power of control down to the smallest barangay, with every community leader grateful for his or her appointment reduced to doing the bidding of Malacanang, brings back worrying echoes of Marcos' use of barangay assemblies to solidify his grip on the country.
Controlling the barangays
He comments perceptively that Newman "sees God acting as living person in our midst, drawing us into dimensions of interpersonal life with God that could never be reduced to doing our universal duty" (215).
The Personalism of John Henry Newman
He said: "They will be reduced to doing essential tasks which they're not ideally used for because there's no-one else to do it".
Concerns over future of green spaces if ranger service is cut
Amrstrong, who had been stripped of seven Tour de France wins, has reportedly been reduced to doing a how-to-slot for an online magazine.
'Disgraced' Armstrong now teaching people how to fix flat tyres!
and it's a crying shame that he was reduced to doing voiceovers after the end of Barry Welsh.
Word on the web Return of the mac and John Sparkes' geek Siadwel
OUR POOR ambassadors abroad have been reduced to doing all the work themselves in order to entertain.
Tales from the Coffeeshop: Who's the happiest bunny in Kyproulla then?
Journalists who can be compelled to violate the confidentiality of their sources, or otherwise go to prison, are reduced to doing little more than providing stenographic services to pass along the official story.
Obama's escalating war on freedom of the press
Reduced to doing tricks in retirement homes, can Carell rediscover his passion for magic, get the act back together and rekindle their lifelong friendship?
Movies on release
After a prop role in the John Abraham- Bipasha Basu dud Madhoshi , she did a few Bhojpuri films and has lately been reduced to doing item dances in Bflicks such as Bin Bulaye Baaraati .
CROSSING OVER