Bone to pick Meaning in English
expression
ˈboʊn/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈpɪk
BOHN-tuh-PIK
bˈəʊn/ /tˈuː/ /pˈɪk
BOHN-tuh-PIK
Definition
If you have a "bone to pick" with someone, you have something (often a complaint or problem) that you want to discuss or resolve with them.
Usage & Nuances
Always informal and usually signals a mild or moderate issue, not serious anger. Often used before stating a complaint. Typical pattern: 'I have a bone to pick with you.' Rarely literal. Not used for major conflicts.
Spanish: asunto pendiente - quejaPortuguese (BR): assunto a resolver - reclamaçãoPortuguese (PT): questão a resolver - reclamaçãoChinese (Simplified): 有问题要解决 - 有意见要求Chinese (Traditional): 有事情要討論 - 有意見要提Hindi: समस्या हल करनी है - शिक़ायतArabic: مسألة للنقاش - شكوىBengali: অভিযোগ - সমস্যা (আলোচনা করার মতো)Russian: разговор по душам (о проблеме) - претензияJapanese: 言いたいことがある - 文句があるVietnamese: có chuyện cần nói - có điều cần phàn nànKorean: 불만이 있다 - 따질 일이 있다Turkish: şikayetim var - halletmek istediğim bir sorunUrdu: شکایت - بات کرنی ہےIndonesian: punya masalah (yang ingin dibicarakan) - ada keluhan
Example Sentences
I have a bone to pick with you about the dishes.
basic
Sarah told me she has a bone to pick with her coworker.
basic
Do you have a bone to pick with me?
basic
Listen, I’ve got a bone to pick with you about yesterday’s meeting.
natural
Every time I see Jim, it feels like he has a bone to pick with someone.
natural
You always act like there’s a bone to pick even when everything’s fine.
natural