pick a fight

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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
See also:
  • pick a fight/quarrel
  • pick a quarrel
  • pick a quarrel with (one)
  • fighting words
  • fightin
  • make (one) hot under the collar
  • beat (something) out of (someone or something)
  • come out fighting
  • come out swinging
  • fighting talk