spoil for

Idioms  

1. Be eager for, as in He's just spoiling for a fight. This idiom nearly always refers to some kind of altercation. It may allude to spoil in the sense of “deteriorate over a period of time.” [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

But I think generally people buy into the idea that this is something that they do not want to spoil for the audience.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2022

When you're up against someone who does spoil for a fight, like Sharpe James, like Steve Lonegan, they can do some damage to you.”

From Slate • Oct. 17, 2013

Then there’s the thing with the pigs, which I won’t spoil for you.

From Forbes • Nov. 18, 2012

“The guys who spoil for a fight for the sake of a fight seem to be losing on this one,” he said.

From Washington Post • Jul. 31, 2012

Years ago, from a raid on the continent, the rolling ships had brought this woman over to be Alldnoos’ share—fit spoil for him whose realm hung on his word as on a god’s.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

Related Words

• aspire
• choose
• crave
• envy
• please
• prefer
• want
• yearn