looking for trouble
Inviting potential problems
Looking for trouble describes behavior that invites conflict, danger, or negative consequences—either deliberately or through recklessness.
Someone looking for trouble might pick fights, take unnecessary risks, or provoke authority: Keep talking like that and you're looking for trouble.
A parent might warn a child You're looking for trouble, climbing that high.
The phrase can describe intent or simply predict an outcome.
- fightPhysical or verbal conflict
- conflictOpposition between parties
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- asking for itInviting negative consequences
- thrill-seekingPursuing excitement through risk
spoiling for a fight · playing with fire · firebrand · provocation · mischief · taunting · recklessness · instigation · war · attention-seeking · defiance · confrontation · throwing down · stirring the pot · antagonism · incitement · pushing buttons · aggression
looking for troublekeeping the peace
Maintaining order and calm
peacekeeping · conflict avoidance · de-escalating · making peace · peacemaking
looking for troublelive and let live
Philosophy of mutual tolerance
letting sleeping dogs lie · staying neutral · non-interference
looking for troubleplaying it safe
Avoiding unnecessary risk
erring on the side of caution · walking away · risk aversion · keeping a low profile · flying under the radar
looked, looker, lookers, outlook, outlooks, overlook, overlooks, overlooked, overlooking