skeleton crew
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
By metaphor, with the crew as a corporate body being bare bones rather than adequately fleshed out.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun[edit]
skeleton crew (plural skeleton crews)
- (idiomatic) The minimum number of personnel needed to operate and maintain an item at its most simple operating requirements, such as a ship or business, during an emergency or shutdown, and at the same time, to keep vital functions operating.