have a bone to pick
Issue to raise
To have a bone to pick with someone is to have a grievance or complaint you want to discuss with them: I have a bone to pick with you about what you said yesterday.
The phrase signals confrontation ahead—you're putting them on notice that something needs addressing.
The image is of a dog with a bone it won't let go.
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- antagonisticActively opposed or hostile
- grievanceFormal claim of unfairness
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
settle a score · dispute · objection · take issue with · hold a grudge · dissatisfaction · argument · complaint · discord · confrontation · rub someone the wrong way · discussion · axe to grind · stir the pot · make waves · frustration · annoyance · rock the boat
have a bone to pickbury the hatchet
End hostilities formally
let bygones be bygones · make peace · commend · applaud · patch things up
have a bone to picklet it go
Cease fixating on something
turn a blind eye · look the other way · bite one's tongue · keep the peace · hold one's tongue
have, having, haves, bone, bones, boned, boning, bonier, boniest