boil down

US /bɔɪl daʊn/
UK /bɔɪl daʊn/
"boil down" picture
1.

to reduce a liquid by boiling so that it becomes thicker and more concentrated

:
You need to boil down the sauce until it thickens.
The chef decided to boil down the stock for a richer flavor.
2.

to summarize or simplify something to its most essential points

:
The whole argument can boil down to a single question.
Ultimately, the problem boiled down to a lack of communication.