One thing I've really had to rely on while cutting the book down was the idea that your readers are smarter than you think.
They don't need every connection spelled out. They can follow your logic without signposts at every turn. They understand metaphors, catch subtle references, and fill in gaps you're worried about leaving.
Yet, we write as if they're perpetually confused. We over-explain, add unnecessary context, and cushion every point with qualifiers. We're so afraid of being misunderstood that we assume incompetence.
I did all of this in early drafts of my novel. I really thought I was going too far with some edits. But reading it back later with a fresh pair of eyes, I had no problems understanding what was going on.
So don't allow yourself that bit of 'extra' description. It's not kindness — it's condescension.
Write for the smart person who decided you were worth their time, not the imaginary confused person you're worried might be lurking.
How would you write differently if you truly believed your readers were as intelligent as they actually are?