Cut, pare, etc. something to the bone
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.
Often appears as...
- cut costs to the bone
- pare down to the bone
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To do something thoroughly or intensely.
He studied to the bone for his final exams.
Often appears as...
- study to the bone
- work to the bone
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To cause someone to feel extremely cold.
I was chilled to the bone after walking in the snow.
Often appears as...
- chilled to the bone
- freeze to the bone
Usage tips
Colloquial
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.
Often appears as...
- cut costs to the bone
- pare down to the bone
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To do something thoroughly or intensely.
He studied to the bone for his final exams.
Often appears as...
- study to the bone
- work to the bone
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To cause someone to feel extremely cold.
I was chilled to the bone after walking in the snow.
Often appears as...
- chilled to the bone
- freeze to the bone
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Financial Trim
Often used in business or finance to describe deep cuts in spending or resources.
To survive the recession, businesses often have to cut jobs to the bone.
Pro Tip 2/3Extreme Measures
Indicates taking drastic action to achieve a certain goal, usually cost-related.
During the budget review, we’ll need to cut our expenses to the bone.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve actual cutting. It's about reduction.
The charity had to pare their program offerings to the bone.
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