(be) spoiling for
idiom
: to have a strong desire for (something, such as a fight)
They are spoiling for an argument.
The team is spoiling for a rematch.
Examples of (be) spoiling for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Emma Craig was outside the Beverly Hills Medical Center on Wilshire Boulevard, spoiling for a fight.
—
Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2024
But unlike Lil Nas X, skaiwater is not spoiling for a crusade.
—John Norris, Billboard, 14 June 2024
Nonetheless, after eight years of populist rule that hardened the battle lines of Polish politics, much of the public is spoiling for a fight.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 27 Jan. 2024
People spoiling for a fight are not put off by facts, any more than by common decency.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for (be) spoiling for 
Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2024
But unlike Lil Nas X, skaiwater is not spoiling for a crusade.
—John Norris, Billboard, 14 June 2024
Nonetheless, after eight years of populist rule that hardened the battle lines of Polish politics, much of the public is spoiling for a fight.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 27 Jan. 2024
People spoiling for a fight are not put off by facts, any more than by common decency.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for (be) spoiling for
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '(be) spoiling for.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near (be) spoiling for
Cite this Entry
“(be) spoiling for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28be%29%20spoiling%20for. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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