have a chip on one's shoulder

idiom

informal
: to have an angry or unpleasant attitude or way of behaving caused by a belief that one has been treated unfairly in the past
He has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he didn't get the promotion he was expecting.

Dictionary Entries Near have a chip on one's shoulder

Cite this Entry

“Have a chip on one's shoulder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%20a%20chip%20on%20one%27s%20shoulder. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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