to pick at the scab

picking at the past, memories of that unwanted experience, and at any undesirable present condition:

"What is unique about Helms - and from my viewpoint, unforgivable - is his willingness to pick at the scab of the great wound of American history, the legacy of slavery and segregation, and to inflame racial resentment against African

by rabuanm March 05, 2012

pick the scab

to ditch an unwanted group member

to express the desire to be rid of a member of a group.

yo, jon's fuckin' annoying. Let's pick the scab.

by Deeeee November 01, 2006

Picking at scabs

Using someone's past to hurt them in an argument as an easy way to insult them.

Mark : Charlie's such a dick, he brought up my dads suicide
John: He was just picking at scabs, he should be ashamed

by PolishPP January 23, 2021