What does the Phrase ‘A Bone of Contention’ Mean?
A bone of contention means something that is the cause of a dispute; something which is the subject of a disagreement.
This expression alludes to the behavior of two dogs fighting over a bone. A similar expression — bone of dissension — was used figuratively in the 16th century. Dissension means conflict or disagreement. Over time, the word ‘dissension’ got replaced by ‘contention’ which also means a dispute.
Let’s see an example —
“The ownership of the ancestral house has been a bone of contention between the two brothers.”
It means that the ancestral house has been a subject of dispute between the two brothers.
Another phrase has come from the same scenario and that is — “A bone to pick”.
If you have a bone to pick with someone, you have a grievance to discuss. You are angry with someone, and you want to discuss or clarify the issue of disagreement between you two.
This phrase has probably come from the scenario when two or more dogs pick a bone together and occasionally bark at each other.
For example —
“I have a bone to pick with you. Why did you go behind my back and tell mom about my girlfriend?”
It means I have an issue to discuss with you. I have a grievance to raise with you. I have a problem with something you did.
I hope you found this story interesting. If you did, buy my full course on Udemy, or watch it for free on Skillshare by signing up here. This course covers nearly 380 idioms with their origins and backstories.
Hi, I am Gauri Shanker, a Vocab teacher and enthusiast. I teach vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. You can check out my courses here.
