asks for trouble
Tempts fate recklessly
To ask for trouble is to behave in ways that invite negative consequences, whether through recklessness, provocation, or poor judgment: Leaving your car unlocked in this neighborhood is asking for trouble.
The phrase implies the person should know better—that the trouble, when it comes, will be partly their own fault.
- tauntingInsulting to provoke
- poking the bearNeedlessly angering something powerful
- reckless drivingUnsafe vehicle operation
- gamblingBetting on uncertain results
- carelessnessInattention causing mistakes
pushing your luck · jaywalking · impulsivity · insubordination · trespassing · overconfidence · throwing caution · rebellion · negligence · playing with fire · skating on thin ice · speeding · noncompliance · thrill-seeking · living dangerously · inflammatory speech · prank calling · tempting fate
asks for troubleerrs on the side of caution
Acts with excessive prudence
hedges one's bets · walks on eggshells · keeps a low profile · flies under the radar · keeps one's head down
asks for troubleknows better
Has superior judgment
lets sleeping dogs lie · picks one's battles · counts one's blessings
asks, asked, asking, asker, trouble, troubles, troubled, troubling, troublesome