chip on one's shoulder
A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harbored grievance, a sense of inferiority, or a desire to prove something.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He always acts angry because he has a chip on his shoulder.”
“You have a chip on your shoulder whenever we talk about your old job.”
“Ever since he was passed over for the promotion, he has had a chip on his shoulder and argues with everyone.”
“She grew up in a poor neighborhood and still has a chip on her shoulder when she talks to people from wealthy families.”
“Despite his undeniable success in the industry, he carried a chip on his shoulder that made him interpret every piece of constructive criticism as a personal attack.”
Originating in the United States during the 19th century, the phrase records a specific method of soliciting a physical altercation. A man seeking a fight would place a literal chip of wood upon his shoulder and dare an opponent to knock it off. The act of displacing the wood served as a formal acceptance of the challenge, rendering the subsequent violence a matter of mutual agreement.
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026