Where does the phrase bury the bone come from? - briefly
The phrase "bury the bone" originates from animal behavior, where dogs bury bones to save them for later consumption. This metaphor is often used in human contexts to signify setting aside or hiding something valuable for future use.
Where does the phrase bury the bone come from? - in detail
The phrase "bury the bone" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the behavior of dogs. When two dogs encounter a prized possession, such as a bone, and neither wants to relinquish it, they may engage in a tug-of-war. If one dog manages to pull the bone away and run off with it, the other dog might follow and try to retrieve it. This process can repeat multiple times until one of the dogs tires of the struggle or finds an opportunity to hide the bone while the other is distracted. The act of hiding or "burying" the bone signifies a temporary end to the conflict, as the victorious dog has secured its prize and the loser may give up the chase.
The metaphorical use of this phrase in human interactions implies a similar dynamic. It suggests that rather than continuing an endless and often futile dispute over something valuable or important, it is sometimes more practical to "bury the bone" — to set aside the issue temporarily or find a compromise that allows both parties to move on. This idiom underscores the idea of pragmatism in conflict resolution, emphasizing that persistent arguments may not always yield productive results and that finding a way to "hide" the source of contention can sometimes lead to peace and progress.