close to the bone

adjective2

1. •
   Penetrating and relatable, to the point of causing discomfort.

   • First came the plague, then the flood, and now the fire. This has been a biblical summer, one where the doomsday warnings of climate scientists have felt increasingly close to the bone. — 2021
2. •
   Destitute.

   • We've lived close to the bone and saved every cent we could, and there's no undisputed claim now that we can't cash… — 1916