needle about

needle (one) about (something)

To criticize, goad, or provoke someone about some issue or topic in a persistent, irritating manner, especially with petty insults or jabs. He's always needling me about my sales performance, rubbing my face in the fact that he's selling twice as many units as me on average. Everyone took great fun in needling Jonathan for dating such a nerdy guy, but I could see that the jibes really hurt his feelings.
See also: needle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

needle someone about someone or something

to pester or bother someone about someone or something. Please don't needle me about Jane. Stop needling me about eating out.
See also: needle
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • needle (one) about (something)
  • harp on (something)
  • harp on about (someone or something)
  • keep harping on about (someone or something)
  • goad (someone) into (something)
  • goad into
  • keep harping on
  • keep harping on (someone or something)
  • gripe to (someone or something)
  • gripe to (someone or something) about (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
The feedback control algorithm will steer the needle into the opposite direction when needle deflection exceeds a set threshold by simply turning the needle about its longitudinal axis by 180[degrees].
A second type of experiment was performed to study the corrective effect of turning the needle about 180[degrees] when a certain estimated deflection threshold is reached.
Force-sensor-based estimation of needle tip deflection in brachytherapy