Bone of contention

Two dogs fighting over a bone, I always thought.


Yep: 'This expression alludes to two dogs fighting (contending) over a single bone. In slightly different guise, bone of dissension, it was used figuratively in the 16th century and took its present form in the early 1700s.'

Thanks MrM.

Speaking of a bone, I shouldn't expect another explanation, but still I thought it could be something more behind the expression.

Its equivalent in Spanish, the apple of the contention, has a mythological origin, with a complicated story which, in short, refers to the three most beautiful Greek goddesses, Hera, Athene and Aphrodite in content for a made on gold app

I know the myth, and the phrase certainly exists in English; but it has not the general acceptance that the good old 'bone' has. Literary and classical allusions are phenomena fading from the language.

Mister MicawberI know the myth, and the phrase certainly exists in English; but it has not the general acceptance that the good old 'bone' has. Literary and classical allusions are phenomena fading from the language.

I once heard that "The Bone of Contention" related to voodoo. A Witch Doctor's curse whereby the  cursed victim so strongly believed he wou

Very impressive Mr Micawber. I always thought of you in a flea bittin cheap suit freezing in the rain trying to stay out of the poor house.