pick a fight
To act aggressively or in a certain way toward someone in order to provoke them into a fight. I don't know why she was so critical of me tonight—it's like she was trying to pick a fight or something. He's the kind of troll who just posts on the message board to pick a fight.
pick a fight (with someone)
and pick a quarrel (with someone)to start a fight or argument with someone on purpose. Are you trying to pick a fight with me? Max intended to pick a quarrel with Lefty.
pick a ˈfight/ˈquarrel (with somebody)
deliberately start a fight or an argument (with somebody): Why do you always pick fights with other boys?At work he’s always picking quarrels.