bone of contention
Something that continues to be disputed; something on which no agreement can be reached.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Money is always a bone of contention in their family.”
“The old parking space has been a bone of contention between the two neighbors for years.”
“The proposed highway, cutting through protected woodland, became a bone of contention that divided the town council and dominated every local election thereafter.”
A reference to two dogs fighting over the same bone.
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bone hard
As hard as a bone, rock hard.
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bone in her teeth
(of a boat or ship) A prominent bow wave (as a result of high speed).
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bone in the throat
A source of continuing annoyance; a hindrance.
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breed in the bone
To establish or ingrain firmly within someone's nature.
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chill to the bone
To make someone extremely cold, or to be extremely cold.
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funny bone
The ulnar nerve in the elbow, which, when hit, causes a tingling sensation.
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have a bone to pick
To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.
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throw a bone to
To provide support or assistance to, especially in one particular way or to a limited extent; to make a concession to.
Last updated August 10, 2026