ask for trouble
Court negative consequences
To ask for trouble is to behave in a way that invites negative consequences.
The phrase implies the outcome was predictable and self-inflicted: Leaving your bike unlocked in this neighborhood is asking for trouble.
Someone who asks for trouble courts disaster through recklessness, provocation, or poor judgment.
Also ask for it: He was asking for it.
- tempt fateRecklessly invite misfortune
- push your luckRisk losing gains by continuing
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
- goadingInciting through persistent pressure
- provokeIncite a response
foolhardy · reckless · taunting · stir the pot · roll the dice · ask for it · heedless · live dangerously · instigation · imprudent · irresponsible · antagonism · risk-taking · playing with fire · poke the bear · repercussions · daring · carelessness
ask for troubleplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
err on the side of caution · steer clear · keep one's head down · hedge one's bets · cover one's bases
ask for troublebe careful
Exercise caution and prudence
bite one's tongue · count to ten · sleep on it · choose one's battles · keep one's head down
asked, asking, asker, trouble, troubles, troubled, troubling, troublesome, troublemaker