Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
have a bone to pick. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
have a bone to pick, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
have a bone to pick in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
have a bone to pick you have here. The definition of the word
have a bone to pick will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
have a bone to pick, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Verb
have a bone to pick (third-person singular simple present has a bone to pick, present participle having a bone to pick, simple past and past participle had a bone to pick)
- (idiomatic, usually followed by with) To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.
c. 1900, Anna Katharine Green, The Ruby and the Cauldron:"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.
1912, Arthur Quiller-Couch, chapter 18, in Hocken and Hunken:"I have a bone to pick with you," said Mrs Bosenna. . . . "You have not been near Rilla for weeks," she went on, reproachfully.
1992 September 6, Merryl R. Goldberg, “Letters: Jazz”, in New York Times, retrieved 11 July 2011:Clearly, Mr. Jarrett has a bone to pick with musicians like Branford Marsalis, whom he believes "sell out".
2004 July 18, Smita Madhur, Barbara Kiviat, “World Briefing”, in Time:Author John Putzier has a bone to pick with organizations that treat their employees as if they were all clones of one another.
Translations
have a complaint or grievance
See also