skeleton crew
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.