Encouraging or urging someone to do something, often something risky or foolish; also the act of throwing eggs at someone.
From 'egg' as a verb (to urge on), derived from Old Norse 'eggja' meaning to edge or incite. The noun meaning egg-throwing is a separate sense.
When you 'egg someone on,' you're using a verb that comes from Norse warriors—'eggja' meant to incite—so this casual phrase carries the ancient sense of spurring someone into action like a horse!
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