chip on one's shoulder

短语

发音

AU

词形变化

chips on one's shoulder 复数 chips on one's shoulder

释义与例句

n.
  1. 1.

    A form of challenge, in the same spirit as a medieval knight throwing down his gauntlet.

    ‘Oh! if I only could get him to knock a chip off my shoulder, and so get round the law, I would give him one of the soundest thrashings he ever had.’

  2. 2.

    A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harbored grievance, a sense of inferiority, or a desire to prove something.

    习语
  3. 3.

    A tendency to take offence quickly.

    习语

词源

The saying originated during the 19th century in the United States, where people wanting a physical fight would carry a chip of wood on their shoulder, daring others to knock it off.

来源：wiktionary