Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone): Learn what the means through example!

What does “Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)” mean?

"Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)" means to have a complaint or grievance with someone.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I have a bone to pick with my neighbor for constantly playing loud music.

Example

She has a bone to pick with her boss for not giving her a raise.

Example

He has a bone to pick with his friend for canceling plans last minute

Is “Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)” effectively in context?

You can use "Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)" when you want to express that you have a complaint or grievance with someone. It implies that you want to discuss and resolve the issue. For example, if your roommate keeps leaving dirty dishes in the sink, you might say, 'I have a bone to pick with you about the state of the kitchen.'

• 1. Neighborly Dispute

  I have a bone to pick with my neighbor for constantly playing loud music.

• 2. Workplace Conflict

  She has a bone to pick with her boss for not giving her a raise.

• 3. Friendship Issue

  He has a bone to pick with his friend for canceling plans last minute.

Similar phrases to “Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)”:

Air one's grievances

To express one's complaints or dissatisfaction

Example

He called a meeting to air his grievances about the new company policies.

Take issue with

To disagree or have a problem with something or someone

Example

She took issue with his comments and confronted him about it.

Raise a complaint

To express dissatisfaction or discontent with something

Example

The customer raised a complaint about the poor service she received.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)" is unknown.

Is “Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)” common in everyday conversation?

"Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)" is a relatively common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their dissatisfaction or frustration with someone's actions or behavior.

What tone does “Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)” have?

"Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)" conveys a tone of annoyance or frustration. It suggests that there is a problem or disagreement that needs to be addressed.

Can “Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Have a Bone to Pick (with Someone)" is informal and can be used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. However, it may not be appropriate in very formal or professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I have a bone to pick with you about the report.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I have a bone to pick!' to imply that there is an issue that needs to be discussed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• have a problem with
• take offense at
• be upset with
• be annoyed with
• be displeased with
• be dissatisfied with

Antonyms

• be satisfied with
• be pleased with
• be content with
• have no issue with
• get along with