(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
But now the billionaire seems to be spoiling for a fight with the country clubbers.
—
John Hyatt, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024
When everyone is spoiling for a fight, the result is an unpleasant public.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for (be) spoiling for 
John Hyatt, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024
When everyone is spoiling for a fight, the result is an unpleasant public.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2024
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
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 5 Nov. 2024.
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