I've got a bone to pick with you.

[Headtime]

I know what this phrase means, but why pick a bone?

[Quizmonster]

Click http://www.word-detective.com/052301.html#beef for the answer.

[Ember]

My book of "Why do we say it" explains "Two men picking over a single bone will bend their heads over, closer and closer together. Two men who are engrossed in serious conversation will do the same. In addition if the two are disputing a point they may "growl" at each other like two dogs fighting over a bone!