a 'minimum security prison' [=a prison in which prisoners are allowed more freedom than in most other prisons because they are not considered dangerous or likely to escape]
Ten years is the 'minimum' needed. = We'll need 10 years 'at a/the minimum'. [=we'll need at least 10 years]
We need to keep expenses 'to a (bare) minimum'. [=we need to keep expenses as low as possible]
(..) When he dropped out of college, I was angry, pissed. I just didn't want him to wind up like me. Working back-breaking jobs for minimum wage the rest of his life... When was the last time you talked to him or you saw him? Oh, I called him (..)2016 TvShow: Bones Title: The Movie in the Making Season: 11 Episode 18