Question

Hardly one to fault others, Thaddeus surprised his colleagues when he began _____ even their most trivial mistakes.

Answer 1

caviling at

Step-by-step explanation:

The word "caviling" means making unnecessary objections or complaints. In order words it means to raise trivial and irritating objections.

In the context, hardly anyone blamed others for their deeds. But Thaddeus astonished his coworkers or colleagues when he began to cavil at or make objection at their most unimportant mistakes.

Hence the answer is -- "caviling at".