Etymology

make no bones about

Today it means: To do, indicate, or say something clearly and without hesitation, even if it may be unpleasant. Full definition →

First used 16th c.
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The story

A reference to complaining about finding animal bones in food; compare find no bones in (“(obsolete) to experience no hindrances or obstacles; to do something without hesitation”) and have a bone to pick.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 16th c. To do, indicate, or say something clearly and without hesitation, even if it may be unpleasant.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.