asked for trouble
Courted inevitable disaster
To have asked for trouble is to have behaved in a way that made a bad outcome predictable or inevitable.
The phrase assigns blame: He asked for trouble when he insulted the bouncer.
It suggests the person should have known better, that consequences were foreseeable.
Sometimes used to blame victims: She asked for trouble dressing like that—a usage that shifts responsibility unfairly.
- recklessnessCareless disregard for danger
- courting disasterRecklessly risking catastrophe
- red flagIndicator of danger
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- instigationAct of provoking action
repercussions · daring · irresponsibility · defiance · rashness · foolhardiness · negligence · comeuppance · just desserts · punishment · audacity · carelessness · fallout · had it coming · playing with fire · pushing your luck · antagonism · tempting fate
asked for troubleplayed it safe
Acted to minimize risk
erred on the side of caution · hedged one's bets · thought twice · walked on eggshells
asked for troublelet sleeping dogs lie
Avoid rekindling dormant issues
kept the peace · de-escalated · kept a low profile · flew under the radar · backed down
asked, asker, trouble, troubles, troubled, troubling, troublesome, troublemaker