Origin of Expression

[Unregistered]

Please advise what is the historic origin and context of the following expression:

I've got a bone to pick with you
If somebody says this, they mean that they have some complaint to make against the person they are addressing.


Thank you
Jim MacDonald
Toronto, ON, Canada

 

[Tdol]

It takes a long time to pick a bone clean (remove all the edible bits), so a bone to pick is an issue that will take a long time to resolve: Re: Have a bone to pick with you!