start something
To instigate a fight or argument. (set phrase) What are you smirking at? You want to start something, pal? Janet always tries to start something whenever she gets drunk.
start something
Cause trouble, especially a quarrel or fight, as in Stop bringing that up-do you want to start something? [Colloquial; early 1900s]
ˈstart something/anything
(informal) begin a fight or an argument: Don’t try to start anything with him, he has a knife.Are you trying to start something? start something
Informal To cause trouble.