CUT TO THE BONE

{v. phr.} To make (something) the least or smallest possible amount; reduce severely; leave out everything extra or unnecessary from. * /Father cut Jane's allowance to the bone for disobeying him./ * /When father lost his job, our living expenses had to be cut to the bone./

{v. phr.} To make (something) the least or smallest possible amount; reduce severely; leave out everything extra or unnecessary from. * /Father cut Jane's allowance to the bone for disobeying him./ * /When father lost his job, our living expenses had to be cut to the bone./