a chip on one's shoulder
Defensive, confrontational attitude
A chip on one's shoulder is a persistent grudge or readiness to take offense.
Someone carrying this metaphorical chip seems to be daring others to knock it off—looking for a fight or argument: He's had a chip on his shoulder ever since he got passed over for promotion.
The phrase suggests defensiveness rooted in past grievance or perceived slight.
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- axe to grindHidden personal agenda
- bone to pickComplaint requiring confrontation
- bitterSharp, unpleasant taste
old grudge · defensive · bad attitude · hostile · attitude · confrontational · looking for trouble · touchy · prickly · grievance · combative · argumentative · sore · wounded · bruised ego · pride · insecure · belligerent
a chip on one's shouldereasygoing
Relaxed in temperament
laid-back · good-natured · even-tempered · equanimity · serenity
a chip on one's shoulderfriendly disposition
Warm, approachable temperament
approachable · affable · amiable · gregarious · open-hearted
a chip on one's shoulderforgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
letting bygones be bygones · water under the bridge · letting go · moving on · magnanimity
chips, chipped, chipping, chipper, shoulder, shoulders, shouldered, shouldering