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Meaning of bone of contention | Babel Free

Noun CEFR C1
ˈbəʊn əv kənˈtɛnʃən

Definitions

Something that continues to be disputed; something on which no agreement can be reached.

idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“It is still a bone of contention whether to go ahead with the original plan in light of the new evidence.”
“The crossing caused serious congestion with long traffic hold-ups, and had been a bone of contention between the local authorities and the railway for over eighty years. It was controlled from Fletton Road Junction Signalbox (removed at the same time) and, until a wheel was installed in 1920, required two gatemen on each turn of duty.”
“England's "Football Coming Home" anthem became a serious bone of contention at the World Cup - with Croatia using it as a sign of arrogance from their opponents in the build up to the semi-final.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

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