Question

A chip on your shoulder If someone has a chip on their shoulder, they are resentful about not having the benefits that they think other people have. Here, “chip” means a piece of wood. Apparently, men sometimes used to put a piece of wood on their shoulder, hoping that someone would knock it off – and give them an excuse to fight! “She’s got a huge chip on her shoulder, because she doesn’t go to the same school as most of her friends. She is worried that they think they are better than her because of it. Of course, they don’t think that. She just imagines they do.”

Accepted Answer

What do you mean? Why does it mean this? Example

Metaphor	A chip on your shoulder
Question Meaning	What do you mean?
Meaning	If someone has a chip on their shoulder, they are resentful about not having the benefits that they think other people have.
Question Explanation	Why does it mean this?
Explanation	Here, “chip” means a piece of wood. Apparently, men sometimes used to put a piece of wood on their shoulder, hoping that someone would knock it off – and give them an excuse to fight!
Question Example	Example
Example	“She’s got a huge chip on her shoulder, because she doesn’t go to the same school as most of her friends. She is worried that they think they are better than her because of it. Of course, they don’t think that. She just imagines they do.”

Chip Shoulder Piece Resentful Benefits People Means Wood