instigate

instigate (someone) to (do something)

To trigger or prompt someone to do something. Chronic bronchitis is what instigated Russ to give up smoking.
See also: instigate
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

instigate someone to do something

to prompt someone to do something; to urge or cause someone to do something. Are you the one who instigated Terry to start all this trouble? Did you instigate the children to do this?
See also: instigate
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • instigate (someone) to (do something)
  • instigate to do
  • originate with
  • originate with (someone or something)
  • do someone or something justice
  • take the initiative
  • move for
  • move for (something)
  • don't trouble trouble till trouble troubles you
  • helluva someone/something
References in periodicals archive
"J&K Police once again warns all the mischievous people that whosoever will attempt to instigate the public by spreading rumours & fake posts having potential to disturb peace will be dealt strictly under law & stern action will be initiated," Police Media Centre Jammu said in a tweet on Thursday.
"A pro-PSP activist tried to instigate a fight with the bodyguards of Minister al-Gharib and storm his house within eyesight of the Lebanese army.
He further said that Awami National Party (ANP) and Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) were also trying to instigate hatred against PTI.
Some ultras found their way in to instigate raging tempers.
Middle-rank officials intentionally or involuntarily instigate protest actions in front of the government building,
Baghdad (NINA) - Spokesperson for Iraqiya Alliance, lawmaker Maysoun al-Damalouji, affirmed that, "There are some political sides that benefit from crisis and instigate Arab-Kurdish disagreements, as well as sectarian disputes that are being rejected by the Iraqi public.
This puts the prosecution to the test and if it fails to instigate an indictment by the end of the month, it must release the indicted.
DAMASCUS, (SANA)- The National Media Council said necessary legal measures are underway to bring suits against all the parties that instigate killing, violence and terrorism against the Syrian people, its national institutions and the Syrian media.
Abu Dhabi is the latest emirate to instigate a crackdown on satellite dishes atop roofs after the municipality launched a campaign banning landlords from having more than four on a building.
"Attacking churches is to instigate religious crisis," Jonathan said on Monday.
A soap box distraction for frustrated blue collar youth to channel their energy away from where it should be focused, the corrupt ruling elite in Bulgaria and their 'mutri' henchmen who instigate the democratic deficit and the apathy that are the mainstay of this new EU member state!
NZNO is to instigate "ethnicity checks" with members when they phone NZNO administrators to ensure the accuracy of its database.
Saint Paul, MN, April 05, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Joining a select group of industry leaders, Matt Schreyer, co-founder and principal of Instigate, a leading talent-management firm, was recently named to the Board of Directors of the Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association (RPOA).
Summary: BEIRUT: Future Movement MP Ziad al-Qadiri said Monday attempts to instigate intra-Sunni conflict would fail as he denied the existence of any personal disputes between the Future Movement and Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati.
We should abolish the Human Rights Act and instigate a policy of removing immediately all illegal immigrants.