have a bone to pick

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