# have a bone to pick

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-a-bone-to-pick
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.

## Examples

- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.