Phrase guide

cut to the bone

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To reduce to the furthest extent possible, down to the bare essentials.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Due to budget constraints, the company had to cut its expenses to the bone.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Italian: ridurre all'osso — reduce as much as possible