asking for trouble
Courting inevitable problems
Asking for trouble means behaving in a way that invites negative consequences—acting recklessly, provoking conflict, or ignoring obvious risks: Driving without insurance is asking for trouble.
The phrase implies the person should know better.
You're asking for trouble if you keep showing up late.
- irresponsibleLacking sense of duty
- recklessnessCareless disregard for danger
- courting disasterRecklessly risking catastrophe
- heedlessnessFailure to notice danger
- impetuousnessRash, unthinking haste
throwing caution to the wind · provocation · foolhardy · daredevilry · living dangerously · antagonizing · poking the bear · tempting fate · risk-taking · playing with fire · pushing your luck · inciting · goading · stirring up · brashness · temerity · incautious · carelessness
- Risk-Takingplaying with fire, rolling the dice, taking chances, living on the edge, going for broke
- requests
asking for troubleplaying it safe
Avoiding unnecessary risk
erring on the side of caution · hedging one's bets · keeping one's head down · flying under the radar · lying low
asking, trouble, troubles, troubled, troubling, troublesome, troublemaker