目めくじら立たてる

expression, ichidan verb

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

Idiomatic expression used when someone gets upset or scolds over trivial matters. The literal image is raising the outer corner of the eye (目くじら) in anger. Often used in negative requests or admonitions, such as 目くじらを立てるな.

See also: 目くじらを立てる

• 小ちいさなミスにいちいち目めくじら立たてるのはやめてください。

  Please stop finding fault with every little mistake.

• 彼かれは部ぶ下かの遅ち刻こくに目めくじら立たててばかりいる。

  He's always getting angry over his subordinates' tardiness.