bone of contention

noun

1. a subject, cause, or focal point of a dispute:

   The terms of the old man's will were a bone of contention to his survivors.

bone of contention

noun

1. the grounds or subject of a dispute

Word History and Origins

Origin of bone of contention¹

First recorded in 1705–15

Idioms and Phrases

Main issue of a disagreement; something to quarrel about. For example, Grandfather's will was a bone of contention for the whole family . 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.

Example Sentences

However, the embargo has failed to achieve that objective and has become a bone of contention between Washington and its neighbours in the region.

From BBC

Anthony Martial was a particular bone of contention.

From BBC

For many sub-postmasters, the continued employment of people who investigated them or were at the Post Office at the height of the scandal is a bone of contention.

From BBC

The post-World War II presence of U.S. troops, predominantly Marines, has long been a bone of contention between local and national officials.

From Washington Times

Really don’t want to make this a weekly question, but it is a weekly bone of contention for the Rams.

From Los Angeles Times