Cut, pare, etc. something to the bone

usgb
phrase

To reduce or remove as much as possible, to the minimum level or to an extreme degree.

The company was forced to cut costs to the bone due to the financial crisis.
Visual representation of "cut, pare, etc. something to the bone" - To reduce or remove as much as possible, to the minimum level or to an extreme degree

Often appears as...

  • cut costs to the bone
  • pare down to the bone

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "cut, pare, etc. something to the bone"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Financial Trim

Often used in business or finance to describe deep cuts in spending or resources.

Illustration for Financial Trim
To survive the recession, businesses often have to cut jobs to the bone.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Extreme Measures

Indicates taking drastic action to achieve a certain goal, usually cost-related.

Illustration for Extreme Measures
During the budget review, we’ll need to cut our expenses to the bone.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

The phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve actual cutting. It's about reduction.

Illustration for Not Literal
The charity had to pare their program offerings to the bone.
Visual representation of the word "Cut, pare, etc. something to the bone"

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