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 coworker 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 coworker or friend, it is best to talk about it sooner rather than later.