[ti:I Have a 'Bone to Pick With You'] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:07.01]Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. [00:15.90]On this show, we take a closer look at words and expressions in the English language. [00:23.17]We explain where they come from and how and when to use them. [00:28.46]There are many times in life when we have disagreements or problems with other people. [00:35.59]Maybe someone does something or says something that upsets us. [00:41.21]But, it is best not to let these issues fester. [00:46.53]When a cut or wound festers, it becomes infected and painful. [00:53.17]And, "fester" is also used to describe a problem that gets worse. [00:59.72]If you do not care for that medical image, you can also use the verb stew. [01:06.43]When we stew over something, we think about it so much that it becomes a big problem for us. [01:14.46]When we stew over something, we are upset or worried about. [01:19.94]We do not talk about the problem bothering us. [01:23.70]We stew over it until it becomes much bigger in our own minds. [01:30.37]If you stew over an unresolved problem, or let it fester, it can become a big issue. [01:39.21]You might call it a bone of contention. [01:43.55]This phrase comes from the 16th-century. [01:47.25]Imagine, if you will, two dogs fighting over a bone. [01:52.75]The "bone" is the contentious issue that two people fight over. [01:58.30]"Contentious" describes something that is likely to cause people to argue or disagree. [02:05.80]For example, the world of politics has far too many contentious issues to name. [02:13.09]If I tried, we would be here all day! [02:16.46]Okay so, unresolved issues often only get worse. [02:22.24]Talking about them can help. [02:25.07]But how do you raise the issue? [02:27.72]Well, you could say to the person, "I have something upsetting to discuss with you [02:33.85]and it is something that you did and I need to resolve it." [02:38.40]But that is quite long. [02:40.82]Thankfully, we do have an expression that means the same thing but has fewer words and is more interesting. [02:50.78]Instead, you can simply say, "I have a bone to pick with you." [02:56.30]As with "bone of contention," this phrase also comes from dogs during the 16th century. [03:04.24]This time the dogs are struggling to pick the meat off of a bone. [03:09.52]If you use this expression, the other person will understand [03:15.27]that a) you have a problem on your mind that you want to talk about [03:19.66]and b) they did something to cause that problem. [03:24.00]We use this expression with our friends and family. [03:28.58]It is a little informal but we can also use it at work. [03:33.36]Now, let's hear two friends use these expressions: [03:38.56]So, is Steve coming to the party tonight? [03:43.60]Probably. [03:44.79]Good. [03:45.55]Why? And why do you have that look on your face? [03:48.23]What look? [03:49.06]Your angry look. [03:50.41]If you must know -- I have a bone to pick with him. [03:54.52]Not again. What is it now? [03:56.42]Well, I'd rather talk to Steve about it first. [03:59.16]Look, you can take care of your bone of contention with Steve some other time. [04:03.76]I don't want you two yelling at each other at my party. [04:06.78]What makes you think we're going to yell? [04:08.59]Because the last the last time you had a bone to pick with him, it ended in a yelling match. [04:13.19]Oh, right. Well, this time it won't come to that. I promise. We'll talk in the kitchen. It'll be more private. [04:21.64]No, not the kitchen! Take up your issue with him in the ... garage. [04:26.31]It's more private and there are less things for you to break. [04:29.93]Agreed. [04:31.00]And that is the end of this Words and Their Stories! [04:35.85]Until next time ... [04:37.13]I'm Anna Matteo. [04:39.27]]Do you have something on your mind? [04:41.49]Do you have a bone to pick with someone? [04:43.95]Let us know in the Comments Section! [04:46.45]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM