start something

start something {v. phr.}, {informal}

To make trouble; cause a quarrel or fight.

John is always starting something.

Jack likes to play tricks on the other boys to start something.

Compare: MAKE SOMETHING OF.

Categories:

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

To section: S

Subscribe to: American Idioms

✉

Our RSS-channels

Show All

See as well

make something of

[make something of] {v. phr.} 1. To make (something) seem important. * /When girls see another girl with a boy, they often try to make something of it./ 2. To […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

jack-rabbit start

[jack-rabbit start] {n.}, {informal} A very sudden start from a still position; a very fast start from a stop. * /Bob made a jack-rabbit start when the traffic light turned […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

go at

[go at] {v.} 1. To start to fight with; attack. * /The dog and the cat are going at each other again./ 2. To make a beginning on; approach; tackle. […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

start

[start] See: [BY FITS AND STARTS], [HEAD START], [JACK-RABBIT START], [RUNNING START]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

pillar of society

[pillar of society] {n. phr.} A leading figure who contributes to the support and the well-being of his/her society; a person […]

Psalms 109:9

Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.

закручивать гайки

[закручивать гайки] {v. phr.} {informal} [za`kruchivat' `gajki] {literally} to tighten up the screws. ~ […]

do the honors

[do the honors] {v. phr.} To act as host or hostess (as in introducing guests, carving, or paying other attentions to guests.) […]