pick a quarrel

Related to pick a quarrel: give a shot, be damned, worse for wear

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pick a quarrel

(with someone) Go to pick a fight (with someone).
See also: pick, quarrel
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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.

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 quarrel with (one)
  • pick a fight
  • pick a fight/quarrel
  • get into an argument about (someone or something)
  • get into an argument about (someone or something) with (someone)
  • get into an argument over (someone or something)
  • get into an argument over (someone or something) with (someone)
  • get into an argument with (someone) about (someone or something)
  • get into an argument
  • turn against