ask for
Definition
- Phrasal Verb:
- To request something: To speak or write to someone because you want them to give you something.
- To behave in a way that makes something bad or unpleasant likely to happen: To act in a manner that is very likely to result in trouble, problems, or criticism.
Usage and Examples
To request something:
- He asked for a glass of water. (He requested that someone give him a glass of water.)
- You should ask for help if you need it. (You should request assistance.)
To invite (an unwanted consequence):
- Driving that fast in the rain is asking for an accident. (That behavior makes an accident very likely.)
- If you leave your wallet on the table, you're just asking for trouble. (That action is likely to result in a problem, like theft.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The second meaning is often used in a warning or critical tone. It implies that the person's actions are foolish and will naturally lead to a negative outcome.
- It can be used with various nouns representing negative outcomes: , , , .
- Talking to the manager like that is asking for trouble.
- Wearing that to a formal event is asking for criticism.
Variants and Related Words
- Request (v): A more formal synonym for the first meaning.
- She requested a meeting with the director.
- Invite (v): Can be used similarly to the second meaning in a figurative sense.
- His careless remarks invited controversy.
- Ask (v): The base verb. "Ask for" specifies the thing being requested or the consequence being risked.
Synonyms
- For the first meaning (request): Request, seek, solicit.
- For the second meaning (invite trouble): Court, tempt fate, provoke.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Ask after (someone): To inquire about someone's health or well-being.
- She asked after your mother.
- Ask around: To ask several people for information or help.
- I'll ask around and see if anyone has a spare key.
Related Idioms
- Ask for it: An informal idiom identical to the second meaning, implying someone deserves the negative consequence they get.
- He was rude to the bouncer—he was really asking for it.
- You asked for it: A common retort meaning "you caused this problem yourself."
- A: "This soup is too spicy!" B: "You asked for it when you said you wanted the hottest dish on the menu."
Verb
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increase the likelihood of
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ask for trouble
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invite criticism
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