quarrel

it takes two to make a quarrel

proverb Two parties involved in a disagreement, argument, or fight are usually both responsible in some way (as opposed to it being the fault or responsibility of one alone). Your son blames mine for their fight at school, but it generally takes two to make a quarrel.

See also: make, quarrel, take, to, two

it takes two to quarrel

proverb Two parties involved in a disagreement, argument, or fight are usually both responsible in some way (as opposed to it being the fault or responsibility of one alone). Your son blames mine for their fight at school, but it generally takes two to quarrel.

See also: quarrel, take, to, two

lovers' quarrel

An argument between two people who are romantically involved. Said especially of that which is relatively trivial. A: "So, why aren't they talking to each other?" B: "Some stupid lovers' quarrel, I think. Who knows." I don't think a lovers' quarrel here and there is any cause for concern. A relationship plagued by constant fighting, on the other hand, is something you should probably be worried about.

See also: quarrel

patch a/the/(one's) quarrel up

To resolve or reconcile some dispute, disagreement, or conflict between two or more people or groups. It is not our responsibility to patch a quarrel up between two other countries—let them sort it out themselves! I just hope they can patch their quarrel up before the project is due.

See also: patch, quarrel, up

patch up a/the/(one's) quarrel

To resolve or reconcile some dispute, disagreement, or conflict between two or more people or groups. It is not our responsibility to patch up a quarrel between two other countries—let them sort it out themselves! I just hope they can patch up their quarrel before the project is due.

See also: patch, quarrel, up

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.

See also: fight, pick

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.

See also: pick, quarrel

pick a quarrel with (one)

To act or speak toward one 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 everything I said tonight—it's like she was trying to pick a quarrel with me or something. He's the kind of troll who just posts on the message board in order to pick a quarrel with other members. After 10 years of working in this bar, I know how to spot when someone is looking to pick a quarrel with other patrons.

See also: pick, quarrel

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.

See also: over, quarrel

quarrel out

To engage in a dispute or argument over some issue. A noun or pronoun can be used between "quarrel" and "out." We quarreled out our differences a lot in the early days of our marriage. Sarah has been quarreling it out with the accounts team over the deductions from her paycheck.

See also: out, quarrel

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.

See also: quarrel

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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, quarrel, take, to, 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, quarrel, 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

pick a quarrel

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

See also: pick, quarrel

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?

See also: quarrel

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]

See also: pick, quarrel

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.

See also: fight, pick, quarrel

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

quarrel over

v.

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

See also: over, quarrel

quarrel with

v.

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.

See also: quarrel

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.