This idiom means to have a grievance, issue, or complaint to discuss with someone, often implying a need to confront or resolve a specific problem. It suggests a lingering dissatisfaction, like a dog with a bone to chew, and is used in personal, professional, or social contexts to indicate a desire for clarification or accountability.

The phrase carries a confrontational yet often lighthearted tone, reflecting cultural norms around addressing disputes directly, and can range from playful to serious depending on the context.

The phrase likely originated in 16th-century England, tied to the imagery of dogs fighting over or chewing on a bone, symbolizing a persistent issue. An early use appears in John Heywood’s 1562 *Proverbs*: ‘I have a bone to pick with thee.’ The idiom gained traction in the 17th century,
reflecting a culture of direct confrontation, as seen in Samuel Pepys’ diary. Its use grew in 19th-century British and American English, with Charles Dickens’ *David Copperfield* (1850) employing it. The phrase’s vivid imagery and relevance to disputes ensured its spread, particularly in conversational and literary contexts across English-speaking cultures.