pick a quarrel
To act or speak toward someone in an aggressive or antagonistic way so as to provoke them into an argument or fight. I don't know why she was so critical of me tonight—it's like she was trying to pick a quarrel or something. He's the kind of troll who just posts on the message board to pick a quarrel with other members. After ten years of working in this bar, I know how to spot a patron looking to pick a quarrel with people.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
pick a quarrel
(with someone) Go to pick a fight (with someone).
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
pick a quarrel
Also, pick an argument or fight . Seek an opportunity to quarrel or argue with someone. For example, I don't want to pick a quarrel with you, or Jason was always in trouble for picking fights. These terms use pick in the sense of "select." [Mid-1400s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
pick a ˈfight/ˈquarrel (with somebody)
deliberately start a fight or an argument (with somebody): Why do you always pick fights with other boys? ♢ At work he’s always picking quarrels.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017