have a bone to pick
To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I have a bone to pick with you about the dishes.”
“He waited for his brother after dinner because he had a bone to pick regarding the broken window.”
“The senator requested a private meeting with the minister, as he had a bone to pick concerning the recent changes to the regional budget.”
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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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bone of contention
Something that continues to be disputed; something on which no agreement can be reached.
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breed in the bone
To establish or ingrain firmly within someone's nature.
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captain's pick
A decision made by a leader without consulting others.
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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.
Last updated August 10, 2026