look for trouble
Seek out confrontation
To look for trouble is to behave in ways likely to provoke conflict or negative consequences.
Someone who looks for trouble seeks out fights, arguments, or risky situations—or acts recklessly enough that problems find them: He went to the bar looking for trouble.
The phrase often serves as a warning: Keep talking like that and you're looking for trouble.
- pick a fightIntentionally provoke a quarrel
- antagonizeIncite hostility in
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- throw down the gauntletIssue a bold challenge
- ask for itInvite negative consequences
spoiling for a fight · get in someone's face · start something · provocation · instigation · provoke · poke the bear · push someone's buttons · dare · quarrel · stir up · stir the pot · egg on · agitation · incite · dispute · rile up · bait
look for troubleplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
err on the side of caution · stay out of trouble · hedge one's bets · mind one's own business · keep a low profile
look for troublekeep the peace
Prevent discord or conflict
turn the other cheek · back down · de-escalate · make peace · bite one's tongue
look for troublebe careful
Exercise caution and prudence
think twice · stay safe · keep one's head down · choose one's battles · self-preservation
look, looks, looked, looking, looker, outlook, overlook, onlooker, trouble