have a bone to pick
Meaning
To have a complaint or grievance you want to discuss or argue about with someone.
Origin
From the idea of animals (especially dogs) gnawing on a bone, suggesting something you keep worrying at or working on. Recorded in English from at least the 16th century; later popularized in print as “a bone to pick with someone.”
Notes
Used to introduce a grievance or complaint, often mildly confrontational but common in everyday speech. Can be softened with a joking tone, yet usually signals a real issue.
Examples
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I have a bone to pick with you about leaving the meeting early without telling anyone.
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Before we start dinner, I’ve got a bone to pick with my brother for borrowing my car and not filling the tank.
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The reporter had a bone to pick with the mayor over the lack of transparency in the budget.
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If you have a bone to pick with the plan, bring it up now rather than complaining later.
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She called me after work because she had a bone to pick about the way I spoke to her in front of the team.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically: “I have a bone to pick with you/him/them.” Tense can change (“had,” “will have”). Often followed by “about + noun/gerund” to specify the issue.
Synonyms
- have an axe to grind
- have a grievance
- have a complaint
- take issue with
Antonyms
- have no complaints
- let it go
- be satisfied