Boil down to Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Core Issue Focuses on the most important aspect of a complex situation or problem. His difficulties in school boil down to a lack of study habits. Pro Tip 2/3Simplifying Matters Used to simplify a complex topic into the main point for easier understanding. All his complaints boil down to one issue: privacy. Pro Tip 3/3Ultimate Result Refers to the final, most crucial outcome after considering all factors. The negotiations boiled down to who would take the lead.