The company reduced the staff to 'the bare bones'. [=the company's staff only includes people who are absolutely needed]
The book is an attempt to 'lay bare' [='reveal', 'uncover'] the secrets of this very powerful political family.
He 'laid bare' his soul. = He 'laid' his soul 'bare'. [=he revealed his most private thoughts and feelings]
(..) Oh, please. Four dollars is fine. If this audit had happened to me and I didn't have this woman to help me... ...I would've killed this man. I would've strangled him with my bare hands. - I don't blame you. - Ever been through an audit? - No. - It's hell. It's the financial equivalent (..)1991 TvShow: Seinfeld Title: The Truth Season: 3 Episode 2