Be spoiling for a fight
phrase
Looking for an argument or disagreement.
Jack's always acting aggressively, like he's spoiling for a fight.
Often appears as...
- he's spoiling for a fight
- are you spoiling for a fight?
Usage tips
Informal
phrase
Wanting to start a physical fight.
He came out of the bar spoiling for a fight, with his fists clenched.
Often appears as...
- came out spoiling for a fight
- don't be spoiling for a fight
Usage tips
Informal
phrase
Looking for an argument or disagreement.
Jack's always acting aggressively, like he's spoiling for a fight.
Often appears as...
- he's spoiling for a fight
- are you spoiling for a fight?
Usage tips
Informal
phrase
Wanting to start a physical fight.
He came out of the bar spoiling for a fight, with his fists clenched.
Often appears as...
- came out spoiling for a fight
- don't be spoiling for a fight
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
The phrase may describe someone's general attitude, not just a momentary mood.
His confrontational tone showed he was spoiling for a fight.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Use
It doesn't always mean a literal fight, but can refer to any argument or conflict.
During the meeting, she seemed to be spoiling for a fight.
Pro Tip 3/3Aggressive Tone
Often implies that the person is not just willing, but eager to argue.
He's spoiling for a fight with anyone who disagrees.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
The phrase may describe someone's general attitude, not just a momentary mood.
His confrontational tone showed he was spoiling for a fight.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Use
It doesn't always mean a literal fight, but can refer to any argument or conflict.
During the meeting, she seemed to be spoiling for a fight.
Pro Tip 3/3Aggressive Tone
Often implies that the person is not just willing, but eager to argue.
He's spoiling for a fight with anyone who disagrees.
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
The phrase may describe someone's general attitude, not just a momentary mood.
His confrontational tone showed he was spoiling for a fight.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Use
It doesn't always mean a literal fight, but can refer to any argument or conflict.
During the meeting, she seemed to be spoiling for a fight.
Pro Tip 3/3Aggressive Tone
Often implies that the person is not just willing, but eager to argue.
He's spoiling for a fight with anyone who disagrees.
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