do the bare minimum — to do only the least amount of work or effort required
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to do only the least amount of work or effort required
Pronunciation (IPA): /duː ðə ˈber ˈmɪnɪməm/
Example Sentences
- My lazy roommate does the bare minimum - he only washes one plate when he's hungry.
- She studied the bare minimum and somehow passed the exam.
- The company provides bare minimum benefits - just enough to avoid lawsuits.
do the bare minimum
NOUN[/duː ðə ˈber ˈmɪnɪməm/]
to do only the least amount of work or effort required
to do only the least amount of work or effort required
Do the bare minimum without a care, while others bear the burden you won't share!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines two elements: 'bare' derives from Old English and Germanic roots meaning 'naked' or 'uncovered', which evolved to mean 'minimal' or 'mere'. 'Minimum' comes from Latin 'minimus' (superlative of 'parvus', meaning 'smallest'). Together, they form an emphatic expression denoting the absolute least amount of effort or resources required.
Breakdown
bare (naked, uncovered; by extension, minimal) + minimum (from Latin minimus, 'smallest'). The phrase's emphatic force comes from combining these two terms to emphasize doing only what is absolutely essential.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My lazy roommate does the bare minimum - he only washes one plate when he's hungry.”
“She studied the bare minimum and somehow passed the exam.”
“The company provides bare minimum benefits - just enough to avoid lawsuits.”
“Don't just do the bare minimum if you want a promotion.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.