expression
at every opportunity; whenever there is a chance; on the slightest pretext
Used when someone habitually does something at every possible occasion, often with a critical or exasperated tone. Implies the action is triggered by even minor events.
彼は何かというと文句を言う。
He complains at every opportunity.
何かというとすぐに泣く子だった。
She was a child who would cry at the drop of a hat.
Similar meaning 'whenever something happens', but more neutral and less about trivial triggers.
Also means 'in every possible instance', but often used for finding excuses or bringing up a topic, not necessarily habitual actions.
Phrase composed of 何か (something) + という (called) + と (if/when). Literally 'if one says something', it developed the idiomatic sense of 'at every little thing'.