Rifilare

Rifilare is an Italian verb meaning to trim, pare, or file down by removing small portions to obtain a clean edge, the correct size, or a refined finish. It is a transitive verb, used with a direct object, and its main conjugations include rifilo, rifili, rifila, rifiliamo, rifilate, rifilano; perfect tense: ha rifilato; gerund: rifilando.

In craftsmanship and manufacturing, rifilare refers to reducing a piece to the required dimensions, or deburring and smoothing edges to remove burrs and achieve precise tolerances. The action is performed with files, rasps, sanding tools, or knives, and emphasizes a controlled removal of material rather than a rough cut.

In culinary contexts, rifilare means trimming away fat, sinews, or skin from meat or fish, or trimming outer margins of a portion to present a neat, uniform piece for cooking or plating.

In sewing and textiles, rifilare is used to finish fabric edges or trim seam allowances to prevent fraying and to shape the final piece. In economic or administrative language, rifilare can also mean to trim or slim down costs, expenses, or schedules, often in the pursuit of tighter budgets.

Examples illustrate its range: “Ho rifilato i bordi della tavola per eliminare gli spigoli”; “La cucina ha rifilato la carne dal grasso in eccesso”; “L’azienda ha rifilato i costi di produzione.”