ask for it
Beg for consequences
To ask for it is to behave in a way that invites trouble or negative consequences: He left his car unlocked in that neighborhood—he was asking for it.
The phrase often carries a judgmental tone, implying the person deserved what happened.
Controversially applied to victims of crimes or misfortune, where it functions as victim-blaming: She was asking for it said of assault victims is widely condemned as shifting responsibility from perpetrator to victim.
Insulting provocation
- antagonizeIncite hostility in
- inciteUrge toward action
- goadIncite to action
- baitLure for prey
tempt fate · push buttons · play with fire · poke the bear · reckless · foolhardy · rash · brazen
Indirect result of action
- outcomeFinal result of events
- resultWhat follows a cause
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- falloutPost-blast atmospheric particles
ramification · aftermath · karma · payback · comeuppance · retribution · blowback · boomerang
taunt
Insulting provocation
- antagonizeIncite hostility in
- inciteUrge toward action
- goadIncite to action
bait · tempt fate · push buttons · play with fire · poke the bear · reckless · foolhardy · rash · brazen · audacious
repercussion
Indirect result of action
fallout · ramification · aftermath · karma · payback · comeuppance · retribution · blowback · boomerang · just deserts
ask for itplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
be careful · err on the side of caution · watch your step · hedge your bets · tread carefully
ask for itplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
cautious · careful · prudent · mind one's own business · circumspect
ask for itblameless
Free of wrongdoing
guiltless · faultless · undeserving · wronged · victimized
ask, for, asked, asking, asks, unasked, askers, asking for it