Question

What does Miss Ivors mean when she says, "I have a crow to pluck with you" to Gabriel? What is the English Equivalent of this phrase?

a) She wants to argue with him
b) She wants to give him a gift
c) She wants to pluck a bird
d) She's inviting him to dinner

Answer 1

Miss Ivors' statement to Gabriel, 'I have a crow to pluck with you,' is an idiom indicating that she wants to have a serious discussion or argument with him.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Miss Ivors says to Gabriel, "I have a crow to pluck with you," she is using an idiom that means she wants to have a serious conversation, possibly involving a disagreement or the settling of a grievance. The English equivalent of this phrase is option (a) she wants to argue with him.

This figurative expression suggests a need to resolve an issue that has been bothering her, much like removing the feathers from a crow would be a task requiring attention and care.

In James Joyce's short story 'The Dead,' Miss Ivors says 'I have a crow to pluck with you' to Gabriel. The English equivalent of this phrase is 'She wants to argue with him.'

'Having a bone to pick with someone' or 'having a score to settle' can also be used to convey a similar meaning. Miss Ivors is expressing her intention to address an issue or disagreement with Gabriel.