idioms using “bone”

The bare bones

The most basic parts

“We managed to work out the bare bones of the agreement in today’s meeting but it is certainly not complete.“

Feel something in one’s bones

Feel strongly about something (almost instinctively)

“We are going to win this project. I can feel it in my bones.“

Make no bones about

Speak directly, without reservation or hesitation

“The customer made no bones about it; our product simply does not meet their requirements.“

A bone to pick

A complaint to make

“I have a bone to pick with you. You promised we could have Friday off to go skiing and now you say that we have to work instead.“

A bone of contention

A minor disagreement or argument

“The amount of the Christmas bonus has been a bone of contention between management and the workers’ union for several years.“