A Chip On Your Shoulder

Being upset for something or holding a grudge against someone for something that happened in the past.

 Comes from the British Naval yards where each man was allowed to take an allowance of wood chippings home each day for his fire. In 1756 the amount of “chips” allowed to be taken home was reduced by not allowing the men to carry it on their shoulders. However some still did as protest.

 Ex: Some time after an altercation, one man still holds a grudge against another. An observer remarks: “That guy has a real chip on his shoulder”

 Spanish: Tener una astilla clavada con alguien



German: gekränkte Leberwurst spielen (closest equivalent)