English in a Minute: Bone to Pick

Welcome to English in a Minute! 

Bones are strong. They make up our skeleton. But what could it mean to have a “bone to pick” with someone?  

A: Dan, are you ready to read scripts?  
D: Maybe. 
A: Dan, umm, are you upset about something? 
D: Actually, yes! I have a bone to pick with you.  
A: What did I do now? 
D: Well, your new script is about a co-worker who is always late and grumpy. It’s about me, isn’t it? 
A: No! No, no you are…never late.   

When you have a “bone to pick” with someone, you have an issue with them that bothers you. If you have a bone to pick with a co-worker or friend, it is best to talk about it sooner rather than later.