ask for trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is engaging in behavior that is likely to lead to problems or difficulties. Example: "If you decide to ignore the safety guidelines, you're just asking for trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Why ask for trouble?

The New Yorker

— From "I Mean, Really, Why Ask for Trouble?," 2009.

The New Yorker

Arrangements like this ask for trouble, and on Saturday they got their share.

The New York Times - Arts

"When people go to a gallery or a museum, they ask for trouble.

The Guardian - Arts

TO ask people to nominate one era of New York's history as its golden age is to ask for trouble.

The New York Times

To mention her name at a dinner party in the highly educated liberal suburb where Lexington lives is to ask for trouble.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I returned to Lorey to ask for trouble-shooting advice.

The New Yorker

Asking for trouble?

Stanford University

[It] is asking for trouble.

Independent

Was he asking for trouble?

The New York Times - Sports

That's asking for trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ask for trouble" when you want to convey that someone's actions are likely to result in negative consequences or difficulties. It implies a degree of inevitability.

Common error

Be aware that "ask for trouble" doesn't necessarily imply malicious intent. It can simply mean someone is being naive or reckless, not necessarily deliberately seeking out problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for trouble" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that someone's actions or behavior are likely to lead to negative consequences, difficulties, or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for trouble" is an idiomatic phrase used to express that certain actions are likely to cause problems. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves as a cautionary expression. Alternatives include phrases such as "invite disaster" or "court trouble". When using this phrase, be mindful that it doesn't always imply malicious intent but often suggests recklessness or naivety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invite disaster

This alternative suggests a strong likelihood of negative outcomes.

court trouble

This alternative implies actively seeking out problematic situations.

look for problems

This suggests a deliberate search for difficulties.

tempt fate

This implies challenging one's luck or inviting misfortune.

play with fire

This suggests engaging in a dangerous or risky activity.

seek conflict

This directly implies looking for confrontational situations.

provoke a reaction

This alternative indicates initiating actions that may lead to negative responses.

stir up a hornet's nest

This suggests initiating a situation that will cause widespread anger or disturbance.

leave well enough alone

This suggests avoiding actions that could disrupt a stable situation.

push one's luck

This alternative implies taking excessive risks.

FAQs

How can I use "ask for trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for trouble" to warn someone that their actions might have negative consequences. For example: "If you don't submit your assignment on time, you're "asking for trouble"".

What does it mean to "ask for trouble"?

To "ask for trouble" means to behave in a way that is likely to cause problems or difficulties for yourself.

Is there a difference between "asking for trouble" and "looking for trouble"?

"Asking for trouble" implies that your actions will likely cause problems, whereas "looking for trouble" suggests a deliberate intent to create problems or engage in conflict.

What are some alternative phrases to "asking for trouble"?

Alternatives to "asking for trouble" include phrases like "courting disaster", "inviting disaster", or "tempting fate".