A Bone to Pick

Once again I am behind on blogging. And once again someone said to me, "I have a bone to pick with you." Well, that got me to thinking about where that phrase came from. "Bone to pick," dates back to the 16th century, simply refers to a dog chewing endlessly on, and "picking clean," a large bone. A "bone to pick" is thus a subject or issue that is expected to require considerable discussion or argument. A similar phrase, "bone of contention," meaning an issue over which two people argue, also dates back to the 1500s and refers, appropriately, to two dogs fighting over an especially choice bone. Here in the States the meaning is the same. A 'bone to pick' is an issue to be discussed and resolved between individuals. Hopefully this blog should resolve that grievance! I find it interesting that this phrase dates back so far. And we still use it today! I am going to have a dog bone on hand at my desk. Just for those times when I "have a bone to pick". lolol Thanks, Pat!! Keep those lines coming! I love it!