The term SHORTENS A BIT can be solved by the crossword solution TRIMS, which is a five-letter word. To 'TRIM' something means to reduce or cut away its excess parts, making it shorter. This term is often used in reference to hair, but can also be used to describe other objects that need to be reduced in size. Therefore, the term SHORTENS A BIT can be interpreted as a request to TRIM something down a bit, making it slightly shorter.