Translation guide
How to express the idea of deliberately creating a reason to start an argument or fight in Japanese.
To deliberately create a false reason or excuse to start an argument or fight.
A common phrase meaning to pick a quarrel by making a false accusation or finding fault on purpose.
彼はいつも言いがかりをつけてくる。
He always picks a quarrel with me over nothing.
Literally 'attach a fate/connection', used to mean picking a fight by inventing a pretext, often with a nuance of false history or obligation.
酔っ払いが因縁をつけてきた。
A drunk guy tried to pick a fight with me over nothing.
Literally 'sell a fight', meaning to provoke someone into a fight, often by using a pretext or aggressive behavior.
A more explicit phrase: 'make a pretext and pick a fight'. Clear but longer; used when you want to emphasize the fabrication of an excuse.
彼は口実を作って喧嘩をふっかけた。
He invented a pretext and picked a fight.
あいつはわざと喧嘩を売ってきた。
He deliberately tried to pick a fight with me.