quarrel

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pick a fight

To act aggressively or in a certain way toward someone in order to provoke them into a fight. I don't know why she was so critical of me tonight—it's like she was trying to pick a fight or something. He's the kind of troll who just posts on the message board to pick a fight.

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.

quarrel (with one) over (something)

To fight, argue, or dispute (with one) about some specific issue or topic. I don't want to quarrel over money—let's just enjoy our vacation and worry about finances when we're back home. I ended up quarreling with my teacher over the grade she gave me for my project.

quarrel with (something)

To disagree with, argue against, or complain about something. As much as I was disappointed by it, I couldn't quarrel with her assessment of my assignment. You can disagree with my opinions, but you can't quarrel with facts.

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.

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.

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.

pick a quarrel

(with someone) Go to pick a fight (with someone).

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?

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]

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.

quarrel over

To have an argument or dispute about something: The siblings quarreled over their inheritance.

quarrel with

1. To have an argument or dispute with someone: The coach quarreled with the umpire.

2. To have a complaint about something; disagree with something: I can't quarrel with the test results.