cut to the bone
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Their budget has been cut to the bone, and they are unable to perform many responsibilities that are vital to the national interest."
From Salon • Dec. 26, 2022
Unison, Scotland's largest union which represents public service workers, said there would be "catastrophic consequences", and that public services had already been "cut to the bone".
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2022
That’s why substantial investigative teams are rare, especially as newspapers cut to the bone to survive.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 10, 2021
Cities are broke, office districts dormant, services cut to the bone.
From Slate • May 13, 2020
"Lies are as dangerous as a sword. They can cut to the bone."
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.