bone of contention
/ˈboʊn əv kənˈtɛnʃən/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.66 in modern English
23
Scrabble Score
16
Letters
3
Syllables
8
Unique Chars
Meaning
Example Sentences
- "It is still a bone of contention whether to go ahead with the original plan in light of the new evidence."
- "The crossing caused serious congestion with long traffic hold-ups, and had been a bone of contention between the local authorities and the railway for over eighty years. It was controlled from Fletton Road Junction Signalbox (removed at the same time) and, until a wheel was installed in 1920, required two gatemen on each turn of duty."
- "England's "Football Coming Home" anthem became a serious bone of contention at the World Cup - with Croatia using it as a sign of arrogance from their opponents in the build up to the semi-final."
- "But does the level crossing really need upgrading? Listening to Prosser, one gets the impression that this need to 'upgrade' is almost a kneejerk reaction. Although it is manually operated, Prosser thinks that the crossing is "pretty safe as it is", especially given the levels of traffic on the line. The signage, he says, could definitely be improved. But this relationship between who is responsible, either Network Rail or the local/road authorities, has long been a bone of contention. "In my experience, there's always a 'not my problem' attitude," he observes."
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈboʊn əv kənˈtɛnʃən/
- British English: /ˈbəʊn əv kənˈtɛnʃən/