quarrel

It takes two to make a quarrel.

Prov. An argument is never only one person's fault.; If the other person refuses to participate, there cannot be an argument. Sue: I think Mimi ought to apologize for arguing with me. Mother: It takes two to make a quarrel, dear. Maybe you ought to apologize to her. Jill: Why are you always so quarrelsome? Jane: Hey, it's not just my fault. It takes two to make a quarrel.

See also: make, take, two

patch a quarrel up

Fig. to put an end to a quarrel; to reconcile quarreling parties. Tom and Fred were able to patch their quarrel up. I hope we can patch up this quarrel.

See also: patch, up

pick a fight (with someone) and pick a quarrel (with someone)

to start a fight or argument with someone on purpose. Are you trying to pick a fight with me? Max intended to pick a quarrel with Lefty.

See also: fight, pick

quarrel (with someone) (over someone or something)

to have an argument with someone about someone or something. Todd quarreled with Carl over who was going to get the new secretary. They are quarreling over Sally.

quarrel (with someone) (over someone or something)

to have an argument with someone about someone or something. Todd quarreled with Carl over who was going to get the new secretary. They are quarreling over Sally.

quarrel with something

to argue against something; to have a complaint about something. I can't quarrel with that. Does anyone want to quarrel with that last remark?

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pick a fight (with somebody) also pick fights (with somebody)

to intentionally start a fight or argument with someone When she was first in Congress, she foolishly picked a fight with a very powerful politician.

See also: fight, pick