Bone to pick

Meaning

The idiom "bone to pick" is used when someone wants to argue or fight about a particular issue or topic. It suggests that the speaker has a specific complaint or grievance that they want to discuss and resolve. For example, "I have a bone to pick with you - why did you leave me alone at the party?"

Usage

• "I don't know what his problem is, but he always has a bone to pick with me."
• "We had to postpone the meeting because one of our colleagues had a bone to pick with the boss."
• "I have a bone to pick with this new software - it's too complicated and slow!"
• "I have a bone to pick with my sister - she always takes my clothes without asking."
• "I don't like arguing, but I feel like I have a bone to pick with this stranger who keeps following me online."

Roots and History

The idiom "to pick a bone" originally refers to the act of selecting a particularly good piece of meat from a carcass of animals. Over time, it came to be used figuratively to refer to a particular issue or topic that someone wants to discuss and argue about. The origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It was popularized in the early days of television when comedians like Abbott and Costello used it in their routines. Over time, the usage of the idiom has evolved to include a wider range of topics and issues. Today, it is commonly used in everyday conversations to refer to any issue or topic that someone wants to discuss and argue about.

Synonyms in English

• Gripe
• Complaint
• Issue
• Problem
• Dispute

Synonyms in other languages

• In German, the idiom is "ein Knochen auszuhacken" which means to pick a bone.
• In Spanish, the idiom is "tirar una hueso" which means to throw a bone.
• In French, the idiom is "mettre sur la table" which means to put on the table.
• In Italian, the idiom is "tirare alla luce" which means to bring to light.
• In Chinese, the idiom is "摸出矁纲" which means to touch bones and raise issues.

Similar Idioms

• bright spark

• at daggers drawn

• bosom friend