A Bone of Contention – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever seen two people argue repeatedly about the same issue—like splitting chores, choosing a vacation spot, or deciding who gets the last slice of pizza? In English, we call that a bone of contention! This classic idiom describes a subject or object that causes ongoing disagreement, tension, or conflict between people.
What Does “A Bone of Contention” Mean?
“A bone of contention” refers to something that people keep arguing about because they can’t agree on it. Think of two dogs fighting over a single bone—neither will let go! The phrase isn’t about real bones; it’s a vivid way to say, “This issue keeps causing trouble between us.”
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or thoughtful conversations with friends, family, or coworkers when describing recurring arguments or unresolved disputes. It’s common in discussions about relationships, family dynamics, politics, business partnerships, or shared responsibilities. This idiom is informal but widely understood—great for everyday chats, not formal writing.
Example Sentences
- Money has always been a bone of contention in their marriage.
- The new policy became a bone of contention among team members.
- Who gets to use the car on weekends is a constant bone of contention between the siblings.
- That painting is a bone of contention—both families claim it belongs to them.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Why do they keep arguing about the schedule?”
Jamie: “It’s a bone of contention. Neither wants to work weekends.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use this phrase for one-time disagreements or minor preferences. It only applies when the same issue causes repeated or lasting conflict—not just a single debate.
❌ Don’t say: “We disagreed about the movie—total bone of contention!” (If it was just one conversation.)
✅ Do say: “Chores are a bone of contention—they argue about them every week.”
Practice Tip
Next time you notice a recurring argument—like roommates fighting over the thermostat—say: “That’s a bone of contention.” It’s a natural way to name the root of ongoing tension in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “a bone of contention” to clearly describe persistent sources of conflict! It’s a timeless, image-rich phrase that helps you talk about disagreements with precision and flair. Keep using it—and maybe even help turn that bone into a bridge!