bone to pick
Grudge needing discussion
A bone to pick is a grievance or complaint you want to address with someone: I have a bone to pick with you about what you said yesterday.
The image is of a dog worrying a bone—the matter won't be dropped until it's thoroughly chewed over.
The phrase signals direct but usually not hostile confrontation.
Expression of discontent
- gripeVoice minor displeasure
- beefBovine meat for eating
- issuePoint of contention
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
resentment · annoyance · irritation · objection · discontent · dissatisfaction · umbrage · axe to grind
Verbal clash over differences
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
- conflictOpposition between parties
squabble · altercation · clash · face-off · showdown · reckoning · calling out · airing grievances
Restoration of friendly relations
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- understandingMental comprehension of something
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- closureSense of emotional resolution
making amends · clearing the air · burying the hatchet · patching up · smoothing over · working out · forgiveness · accord
complaint
Expression of discontent
grudge · resentment · annoyance · irritation · objection · discontent · dissatisfaction · umbrage · axe to grind · sore point
dispute
Verbal clash over differences
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
conflict · squabble · altercation · clash · face-off · showdown · reckoning · calling out · airing grievances · hash out
reconciliation
Restoration of friendly relations
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- understandingMental comprehension of something
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
closure · making amends · clearing the air · burying the hatchet · patching up · smoothing over · working out · forgiveness · accord · peace
- disagreementsdisagree, argue, dispute, quarrel, argument
- disputesargument, beef, bicker, clash, conflict
- resentmentresentful, grudge, bitterness, rancor, spite
- conflictclash, fight, war, battle, dispute
- annoyancesannoyance, annoyances, irritations, irritation, nuisance
- complaintscomplaint, complain, complaints, complaint form, complaint letter
bone to pickcompliment
Words expressing approval
praise · kudos · pat on the back · commendation · accolade
bone to pickclean slate
Record wiped clear
peace offering · reconciliation · understanding · accord · agreement
bone to pickglowing review
rave · bouquet · good news · pleasant surprise · debt of gratitude
pick, bone, bones, boneless, boned, boning, boney, bonier, boniest