English Club TV

💭 Idiom of the Day: “A chip on your shoulder” Have you ever met someone who always seems ready to argue, even about small things? English has a perfect idiom for this feeling: “to have a chip on your shoulder.” Originally, the phrase comes from an old practice where a person would place a wood chip on their shoulder and challenge anyone to knock it off — as a way of showing they were ready to fight. Today, it doesn’t mean physical fighting. Instead, it describes a lasting feeling of resentment or insecurity. People with a “chip on their shoulder” may: react strongly to criticism feel easily offended believe they have to prove themselves But it’s not always obvious — sometimes it hides behind confidence or sarcasm. 💬 Example: “He always acts like he has a chip on his shoulder when someone gives feedback.”