ask for trouble
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb phrase (idiomatic): - To behave in a way that is very likely to cause problems, provoke a negative reaction, or result in danger or difficulty. It implies acting recklessly or without regard for obvious consequences.
Usage
This phrase is used to describe a person's actions or attitude that are provocative, risky, or unwise. It suggests the person is inviting or courting trouble through their own conduct. It is often used in a warning or critical sense.
Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Leaving your car unlocked in this neighborhood is just asking for trouble.
- If you keep talking to your boss like that, you're asking for trouble.
- He knew the ice was thin, so skating there was asking for trouble.
Advanced Usage
- "to be asking for it": A more informal and sometimes stronger variant, often implying that someone deserves the negative consequences they provoke.
- He was rude to everyone all night; he was really asking for it when they finally told him to leave.
Variants and Related Words
- Court disaster (verb phrase): To act in a way that is almost certain to lead to a catastrophe.
- Ignoring those safety warnings is courting disaster.
- Invite trouble (verb phrase): A more formal synonym with a similar meaning.
- Such inflammatory comments invite trouble.
Synonyms
- Provoke: To stimulate or incite (a negative reaction).
- Tempt fate: To take unnecessary risks, as if daring fate to cause something bad to happen.
Related Phrases
- Look for trouble (verb phrase): To actively seek out a confrontation or dangerous situation.
- The gang went into rival territory looking for trouble.
Related Idioms
- Play with fire: To act in a way that is very dangerous and risks serious consequences.
- Not studying for the final exam is playing with fire.
Verb
- persist with actions or an attitude despite the probability that it will cause trouble
- He is asking for trouble with his behavior