When it comes to phrases about chips and/or shoulders, chip on your shoulder falls somewhere between chip off the old block—which is often used as a compliment—and cold shoulder, which is.. The meaning of HAVE A CHIP ON ONE'S SHOULDER is to have an angry or unpleasant attitude or way of behaving caused by a belief that one has been treated unfairly in the past. How to use have a chip on one's shoulder in a sentence.
Examples of Use: A chip on your shoulder refers to someone who holds a grudge or is easily provoked and confrontational.; He always had a chip on his shoulder, ready to pick a fight at the slightest provocation.; She carried a chip on her shoulder from past experiences, making her defensive and quick to take offense.; His constant need to prove himself stemmed from a chip on his shoulder.. Cover of sheet music for the song titled: "Don't Try to Knock a Chip from Riley's Shoulder." (J. W. Wheeler) which alludes to the expression. An American wartime poster alluding to the expression.