bone of contention
1 of 1phrase/ˈboʊn əv kənˈtɛnʃən/
1
a subject over which people disagree
The idiom "bone of contention" has roots in medieval English, where it originated from the literal meaning of a "bone" as an object of dispute or contention between two dogs. The phrase evolved to describe any contentious issue or subject that serves as a cause for disagreement or conflict between individuals or groups. Over time, it transitioned from its literal origins to a metaphorical usage, becoming a common expression in the English language to denote a central point of disagreement or conflict.
- The allocation of funds became the bone of contention during the budget meeting, leading to heated debates among department heads.
- In the family discussion about holiday plans, the choice of destination became a bone of contention, with each member advocating for a different location.
- The issue of resource distribution has been a long-standing bone of contention between the two neighboring countries.
- The decision to implement new policies became the bone of contention between the management and the employees, sparking protests in the workplace.
- When negotiating the contract, the compensation package emerged as the primary bone of contention, delaying the agreement between the employer and the candidate.