Bone to pick

Meaning

A grievance one wants to discuss.

Usage

Used when approaching someone to air complaints.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Image of dogs picking bones, implying lingering issues.

Used in English since at least the 18th century.