The correct spelling of the phrase "has bone to pick" is often confused with "has bone pick". The correct phrase means to have an issue or complaint with someone or something. The pronunciation of "bone to pick" is /ˈboʊn tu ˈpɪk/ with stress on the first syllable of both words. Whereas "bone pick" is not a common phrase but if it were to be, it would be pronounced as /boʊn pik/. It is important to use correct spelling to avoid any misunderstandings.
The phrase "has a bone to pick" is idiomatic and used to describe a situation where someone has a complaint or an issue that they want to discuss or resolve with another person. It typically connotes a sense of annoyance or dissatisfaction regarding the matter at hand.
The term "to have a bone to pick" originates from the notion of two dogs having a disagreement or dispute over a bone. If a dog has a bone to pick, it means it wants to confront the other dog and assert its ownership or challenge the other dog's entitlement to the bone. In a human context, the bone represents a specific issue, grievance, or disagreement that an individual wants to address, typically with a sense of urgency.
When a person says, "I have a bone to pick with you," they are expressing their intention to discuss a particular matter that they perceive as problematic or unsatisfactory. This expression indicates that the individual wishes to engage in a potentially confrontational conversation to resolve the issue, express their concerns, or seek an explanation or resolution.
Overall, "having a bone to pick" refers to having a specific matter that one wants to address and resolve, often implying a sense of discontentment or a desire to rectify a situation that is causing annoyance or dissatisfaction.