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Synonyms

bone to pick

Cultural  
  1. Having a “bone to pick with someone” means having a grievance that needs to be talked out: “I have a bone to pick with you, Wallace; I heard how you criticized me at the meeting last night.”


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For Phillips though, there is a little bone to pick.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

Last year, Ripple Chief Executive Brad Garlinghouse had a bone to pick with banks, saying they had shut him and his industry out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

Man’s best friend appears to have a bone to pick with U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2025

“I have a bone to pick with you,” Palin said, lightly.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2025

‘Glad indeed I am to see you safe back. But I’ve a bone to pick with you, in a manner o’ speaking, if I may make so bold.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

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