The phrase "less metal" means having less amount or quantity of metal. It can refer to a situation where there is a decrease in the use, presence or importance of metals in a particular context. This could be due to various reasons such as a shift towards using other materials that are more durable, cost-effective or environmentally friendly, or because there has been a decline in the production and consumption of metal products. The phrase is often used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and engineering where metals play an important role.