You, he, she, etc. started it

Pro Tip 1/3

Conflict Implication

This phrase often escalates or acknowledges conflict, and is commonly used among children or during informal disputes.

They were both sent to the principal's office for fighting, but Alex yelled, 'He started it!'

Pro Tip 2/3

Responsibility Shift

Using this phrase shifts the blame for an action or event onto another person.

When the vase broke, each sibling pointed at the other, shouting, 'She started it!'

Pro Tip 3/3

Defensive Response

This phrase is often used defensively in response to being blamed or accused of something.

In the middle of their argument, Mike retorted, 'I only yelled because you started it!'