The phrase 'cut to the BONE' is an idiom that means to reduce something to its most basic or essential elements. The phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, such as reducing a budget or cutting back on staff. The crossword solutions for this phrase are BONE (4 letters), PARE (4 letters), and GASH (4 letters). BONE refers to the skeletal structure of the body, which is the most basic element of a person. PARE means to trim or reduce something, which is what is done when cutting to the BONE. GASH is a deep cut, which is often used to describe a drastic reduction.