be spoiling for (something)

To be particularly eager or enthusiastic for something. Used especially in the phrase "be spoiling for a fight." Come on, don't engage with that drunken fool, he's spoiling for a fight! We've done everything we can to reach a reasonable compromise with the other party, but they have been spoiling for an argument at every turn. My mother is spoiling for a fight when she makes critical comments like that—don't even listen to her.

be ˌspoiling for a ˈfight, argument, etc.

want to fight, argue, etc. with somebody very much: Are you spoiling for a fight? ♢ The teachers’ union is spoiling for a fight with the Government.