start something/anything

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.See also: something, start

start something

Cause trouble, especially a quarrel or fight, as in Stop bringing that up-do you want to start something? [Colloquial; early 1900s] See also: something, start

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?See also: anything, something, start

start something

Informal To cause trouble.See also: something, start