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Region: General | Usage example: They had to cut the budget to the bone to stay afloat

Cut to the bone

Meaning

Reduce costs or resources to the minimum

Usage

Used when describing severe reductions

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Metaphor of carving meat down to the bone

Used in business and medical contexts

Related Idioms

Bone to pick

A grievance one wants to discuss.

Bone dry

Completely dry.

Close to the bone

Briefly offensive or cutting.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.