A Bone to Be Chewed: The Meaning, Origins & Use of a Unique Idiom
The expression “a bone to be chewed” or “chew on a bone” is a fascinating idiomatic phrase that may not be commonly used, but its vivid imagery and metaphorical significance make it worth exploring.
It refers to a problem, issue, or subject that requires serious consideration, deep thought, or prolonged effort. It can be something that is puzzling, complex, or fraught with difficulty, much like a dense bone that takes time and effort to chew.
Though the exact origin of the phrase is hard to pin down, the metaphor of chewing on something as a representation of thinking deeply or working persistently on a problem is well-established in English.
Literal Sense: In a literal sense, chewing a bone is a slow process, especially for a dog that gnaws at it for nourishment or pleasure. The bone symbolizes something tough and time-consuming.
Bone of Contention: This is a related phrase that means an issue that causes disagreement. While not exactly the same, it’s another example of how bones have been used metaphorically in language.
Chewing it Over: This expression means to think something over carefully. It aligns closely with “bone to be chewed,” suggesting that there may be a common origin in the idea of chewing as a slow, thoughtful process.
Contextual Usage
- In Business: A CEO might say to her team, “This new market strategy is a real bone to be chewed. Let’s take our time and analyze it thoroughly before implementation.”
- In Education: A professor could tell his students, “This philosophical question is a bone to be chewed. It’s not something we can understand in one session, so let’s revisit it throughout the semester.”
- In Politics: A political analyst might describe a controversial policy as “a bone to be chewed” in the upcoming debates, highlighting that it will be a central issue that will require careful discussion and negotiation.
Similar Phrases
Other idioms carry a similar meaning, like:
- “A tough nut to crack” — Referring to a problem that is hard to solve.
- “Chewing the cud” — Reflecting on something in a thoughtful manner.
The phrase “a bone to be chewed” adds rich texture to the English language, allowing speakers to describe complex and challenging subjects in a way that’s both visual and metaphorical. Its likely origin in the act of a dog chewing a bone conveys a sense of persistence and effort, and the phrase can be used in various contexts, including business, education, and politics. By connecting to related idioms and exploring different applications, we’ve unveiled the multifaceted nature of this intriguing expression.
For those interested in digging even deeper, these searches might prove insightful:
