you, he, she, etc. started it

(someone) started it

Someone else began a fight, argument, dispute, etc., as opposed to oneself. Usually said in or associated with childish arguments or fights. A: "Stop it you two! I'm taking you both to the principal's office." B: "But she started it!" Why am I in trouble when Teddy's the one who started it? A: "Rosie started it!" B: "I did not!" C: "I don't care who started it, I'm finishing it—both of you need to go sit in time out."

See also: start

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

you, he, she, etc. ˈstarted it

(spoken, informal) you, he, she, etc. began a fight or an argument: ‘Stop fighting, you two!’ ‘He started it!’

See also: start

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017