目めくじらを立たてる

expression, ichidan verb

find fault with trivial things; get angry over trifles; raise one's eyebrows

Idiomatic expression used when someone overreacts to a minor issue, often with a critical or angry expression. The literal image is of raising the outer corner of the eye (目くじら) in displeasure.

• 彼かれは小ちいさなミスにいちいち目めくじらを立たてる。

  He finds fault with every little mistake.

• そんなことで目めくじらを立たてるなよ。

  Don't get so worked up over such a small thing.