Meaning & Analysis
To deliberately and often artificially provoke an argument or disagreement with someone, frequently over a minor or trivial issue.
Insights
Pretext for Aggression
The phrase metaphorically represents the act of creating a false justification (a pretext) for a desired outcome, such as avoiding an obligation, expressing latent hostility, or seizing an advantage. The quarrel itself is merely a tool.
Defensive Maneuver
It symbolizes a form of preemptive attack. By initiating a complaint or conflict, a person can deflect attention from their own faults or responsibilities, as suggested by the cross-reference 'Some complain to prevent complaint.'
Instrument of Manipulation
The act of 'picking' a quarrel illustrates a method of emotional and social manipulation. The instigator manufactures a conflict to control the narrative, create emotional distance, or test the boundaries of a relationship.
Conflict as a Political Tool
The phrase reveals a sophisticated understanding of conflict as a calculated social strategy. Historical citations, such as Topsell's reference to tyrants manufacturing quarrels to seize wealth, show it was recognized not just as a personal failing but as a tool of political oppression and exploitation.
Psychology of Deflection
The proverb uncovers a key psychological maneuver: creating a diversion to avoid accountability. As seen in Shakespeare's '1H4', where a quarrel is picked to evade a debt, it is a form of aggressive deflection, allowing the instigator to reframe the situation and put their opponent on the defensive.
Manipulation and Dominance
The deliberateness of 'picking' a quarrel suggests it is often a strategy for asserting dominance or control within a relationship. The instigator chooses the time and subject of the conflict, thereby manipulating the emotional landscape to their advantage.
Rhetorical Devices
Verb Choice
The verb 'pick' is highly evocative, suggesting a deliberate and selective choice. It frames the quarrel not as a spontaneous event but as a manufactured object, chosen specifically to serve a purpose.
Idiomatic Metaphor
The phrase functions as a concise idiom where the meaning transcends the literal words. 'Quarrel' is treated as a tangible item that can be selected and wielded, making the abstract concept of instigating conflict concrete and memorable.
Transcription
Quotations
Fyrste pycke a quarell, and fall oute with hym then.
He begynneth to pyke or fyndeth a quarel of my wordes.
I pyke a quarrell, or fynde maters to fall out with one for.
If I gaue no cause, why diddest thou picke a quarrell?
Good simple soule, would you picke a quarrell with them.
Tyrants in an euill grieued estate, do pick quarrells against euery man that is rich for the spoyle of their goods.
Though some should pick a quarrell with the instances I al-leadged.
Shakespeare Citations
You owe me money, Sir John, and now you pick a quarrel to beguile me of it.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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