start something
Initiate a conflict
To start something is to provoke a conflict or confrontation, usually deliberately: Don't start something you can't finish.
The phrase implies initiating trouble—picking a fight, making an accusation, or saying something inflammatory.
She was just looking for an excuse to start something.
- originateTo come into existence
- commenceTo set underway
- get the ball rollingInitiate an activity
- set in motionCause to begin operating
- launchSet into motion
provoke · pick a fight · invent · inaugurate · stir up · stir the pot · instigate · spark · light a fire · incite · kick off · antagonize · rock the boat · initiate · design · catalyze · confront · throw down
- protest sloganssi se puede, enough is enough, rise up, resist, ban the bomb
- conflictsargument, fight, war, battle, dispute
start somethingkeep the peace
Prevent discord or conflict
let it go · back down · walk away · stand down · cool it
start somethingmake amends
Compensate for wrongdoing
reconcile · patch things up · mend fences · build bridges · clear the air
start, something, starts, started, starting, starter, starters, restart, restarted