bone to pick

phrase

: a matter to argue or complain about

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bone to pick was in 1766

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bone to pick

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Style

“Bone to pick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bone%20to%20pick. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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bone to pick

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