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pettifog

verb

/ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡ/

Meaning

to argue or quibble over trivial matters; to engage in petty, dishonest practices

The lawyer was accused of trying to pettifog instead of addressing the real issue.

quibble, bicker, nitpick, squabble

clarify, resolve, simplify

pettifog over details, pettifog in arguments, petty pettifogging

to criticize or scold someone sharply

to interfere in something that is not one's concern

to strongly encourage or try to persuade someone to do something

to be disloyal to; to reveal secrets

to experience an emotion or physical sensation

to wash oneself; to clean the body with water