What action did the business owner take to reduce expenses?

The choice to eliminate is the most appropriate action for a business owner aiming to reduce expenses. When a business owner eliminates certain costs, it suggests that they are cutting down on unnecessary expenses or streamlining operations to improve financial efficiency. This can involve getting rid of redundant staff, discontinuing unprofitable products or services, or finding more cost-effective suppliers.

In the context of business strategy, targeting expense reduction through elimination can lead to greater profitability and better resource allocation. The other options, such as increasing or expanding, would imply an increase in costs, while maintaining suggests keeping expenses at the same level, which does not align with the goal of reducing expenses.