Idiom B2

Have a bone to pick

To have a complaint or grievance to discuss with someone

Meaning

Have a bone to pick means to have a complaint, grievance, or point of disagreement that you want to discuss with a particular person. It signals that you are annoyed about something they did and intend to bring it up. Literal: a dog working at a bone. Figurative: a small but persistent grievance to settle.

Origin & History

The phrase draws on the image of a dog gnawing away at a bone for a long time, working at it persistently. A complaint that you keep returning to became a 'bone to pick', something you worry at until it is dealt with.

The expression has been used in English since the 16th century. It is usually mild rather than hostile, suggesting a specific complaint to be talked through rather than a serious quarrel, which is why it often opens a conversation rather than a fight.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
I have a bone to pick with you about last night.Personal, complaint
The customer had a bone to pick with the manager.Business, grievance
She has a bone to pick about the unfair schedule.Work, complaint
I've got a bone to pick with whoever ate my lunch.Everyday, light grievance

How to Use It

The idiom is used as a verb phrase, normally with 'with' before the person: I have a bone to pick with you. It is informal and often used to open a discussion about a complaint. It usually suggests mild annoyance, not a major argument, and is rarely used in formal writing.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

I have a bone to pick to you.

I have a bone to pick with you. — Use 'with' before the person.

I have bones to pick about one thing.

I have a bone to pick about one thing. — A single grievance uses singular 'a bone'.

I have a bone to choose with you.

I have a bone to pick with you. — The fixed verb is 'pick'.

Similar Idioms

A chip on your shoulder Bury the hatchet Set the record straight All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "have a bone to pick" mean?
To have a complaint, grievance, or disagreement you want to raise with someone.
Where does "have a bone to pick" come from?
The phrase draws on the image of a dog gnawing away at a bone for a long time, working at it persistently. A complaint that you keep returning to became a 'bone to pick', something you worry at until it is dealt with.
Can you give an example of "have a bone to pick" in a sentence?
"I have a bone to pick with you about last night." Another: "The customer had a bone to pick with the manager."
Is "have a bone to pick" formal or informal?
It is informal. It is common in speech and casual writing to raise a complaint, and rarely used in formal writing.
What CEFR level is "have a bone to pick"?
B2. Learners must link the dog-and-bone image to a persistent complaint, which suits upper-intermediate students.
Is "have a bone to pick" aggressive?
Usually no. It signals mild annoyance and a wish to discuss a specific complaint, not a serious quarrel. The tone is often direct but not hostile.
What are common mistakes with "have a bone to pick"?
Common mistakes include using 'to you' instead of 'with you', using plural 'bones' for one complaint, and using 'choose' instead of 'pick'. Keep the fixed wording.
What idioms are similar to "have a bone to pick"?
Related expressions include 'an axe to grind', 'a chip on your shoulder', and 'take issue with'. The closest is 'an axe to grind'.
Can "have a bone to pick" be used in writing?
It suits informal writing, dialogue, and casual emails. It is too colloquial for very formal reports but works well in everyday communication.
How do I practise idioms like "have a bone to pick"?
Use LexFizz Flash Cards and Flip Tiles, and try using "have a bone to pick" in a sentence of your own to connect the idiom to a real situation.