Meaning of have a bone to pick | Babel Free

Definitions

To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.

idiomatic, usually

Equivalents

Examples

“"I offered her that sum if she would take the garment back. And she did, she did, and I shall never have to wear that dreadful satin again." ¶ I made a note of this dressmaker's name. She and I may have a bone to pick some day.”

“"I have a bone to pick with you," said Mrs Bosenna. . . . "You have not been near Rilla for weeks," she went on, reproachfully.”

“Clearly, Mr. Jarrett has a bone to pick with musicians like Branford Marsalis, whom he believes "sell out".”

“Author John Putzier has a bone to pick with organizations that treat their employees as if they were all clones of one another.”

CEFR level