言こと葉ば尻じりを捉とらえる

expression, ichidan verb

pounce on someone's words; trip someone up with their own words; cavil at someone's words

Used when someone seizes on a minor slip or the tail end of another person's statement to criticize, argue, or make them look bad. Often implies nitpicking or unfair argumentation.

• 彼かれはいつも人ひとの言こと葉ば尻じりを捉とらえて揚あげ足あしを取とる。

  He always pounces on people's words and finds fault.

• 言こと葉ば尻じりを捉とらえるような議ぎ論ろんはやめましょう。

  Let's stop arguing by seizing on the ends of each other's words.