IdiomDaily Life

English

pick a fight

Meaning: To deliberately start an argument or fight.

Example: “He always picks a fight after a couple of beers.”

Origin: "Pick" in the sense of seeking out, as in "pick a quarrel," found from the 15th century.

Equivalents in other languages

Portuguese: comprar briga Literally: To buy a fight
French: Chercher des noises Literally: To look for noises

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More English idioms

an eye for an eye Punishment should match the injury; revenge in kind.
scream blue murder To protest very loudly.
jump through hoops To go through many difficult or pointless steps to get something.
grease someone's palm To bribe someone.
no contest Said when one side is clearly better and there is no real competition.
don't shoot the messenger Don't blame the person who brings bad news.

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