to the bone Definition

bone
noun

1. The hard dense tissue that forms the skeleton of vertebrates, providing structural support for the body and serving as an attachment for muscles.
2. Any of the components of the skeleton, made of this material.
3. The skeleton.

Form: bones
4. The body as the place where feelings or instincts come from.

Example: I feel in my bones something is wrong
Form: one's bones (chiefly)
5. A substance similar to human bone, such as ivory and whalebone, etc.
6. The basic or essential part.

Form: bones

verb boned, boning

1. To take bone out of (meat, etc).
2. To make (a piece of clothing, eg a corset or bodice) stiff by adding strips of bone or some other hard substance.

Derivative: boned

Having bones.

Said of meat, etc: having the bones removed.

Derivative: boneless
adj

Lacking bones; having the bones removed.

Idiom: have a bone to pick with someone

To have something to disagree or argue about with them.

Idiom: make no bones about something

To admit or allow it without any fuss, bother or hesitation.

To be quite willing to say or do it openly.

Idiom: near the bone (close to the bone)

Referring too closely to a subject which it would have been kind or tactful to avoid; upsettingly pointed or critical.

Rather indecent or risqué.

Idiom: to the bone

Thoroughly and completely.
Example: I was chilled to the bone

To the minimum.
Example: cut my living expenses to the bone

Idiom: work one's fingers to the bone

To work very hard, until one is worn out.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon ban.

Phrasal Verb: bone up on something

To learn or collect information about (a subject).