asking for trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is likely to encounter problems or difficulties due to their actions or decisions. Example: "By ignoring the safety protocols, he is really asking for trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's asking for trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

[It] is asking for trouble.

Independent

Was he asking for trouble?

The New York Times - Sports

You're just asking for trouble".

The New York Times

You're asking for trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

This is just asking for trouble.

The Economist

What was I, asking for trouble?

Independent

To me, that's asking for trouble".

The New York Times

Surely that's asking for trouble?

The Guardian

Were they asking for trouble?

The New York Times

That is asking for trouble.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "asking for trouble" to caution against actions that are likely to create problems, especially when the consequences are easily foreseeable.

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using "asking for trouble". While generally implying negative consequences, avoid using it in situations where the potential harm is disproportionately severe compared to the action, as it may trivialize the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for trouble" functions as a warning or cautionary statement, indicating that certain actions or behaviors are likely to lead to negative consequences. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a common expression used to advise against risky or unwise behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asking for trouble" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to warn against actions likely to cause problems. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informal usage and is best employed when cautioning against foreseeable negative outcomes. Consider alternatives like "courting disaster" in more formal settings. Remember to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the severity of the warning aligns with the potential consequences to avoid trivializing serious situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courting disaster

Emphasizes the active pursuit of a negative outcome, highlighting the high risk involved.

inviting problems

Highlights the inevitability of issues arising from a particular action or decision.

begging for it

Implies a provocative or reckless behavior that makes a negative reaction almost unavoidable. This alternative carries a more aggressive connotation.

playing with fire

Suggests a risky endeavor with potentially dangerous or harmful consequences.

setting yourself up for a fall

Indicates actions that increase vulnerability, leading to a likely failure or setback.

tempting fate

Implies challenging or defying a higher power or luck, increasing the likelihood of misfortune.

looking for a fight

Suggests deliberately instigating conflict, implying an aggressive or confrontational stance.

bringing it on yourself

Highlights personal responsibility for negative consequences resulting from one's actions.

sowing the seeds of destruction

Suggests planting the origins of future problems through current actions.

creating a rod for your own back

Refers to creating future difficulties or punishments for oneself through current actions.

FAQs

What does "asking for trouble" mean?

The phrase "asking for trouble" means behaving in a way that is very likely to cause problems or difficulties. It often implies that the negative consequences are foreseeable and could be avoided.

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

You can use "asking for trouble" to advise against risky behavior. For example, "Walking alone in that area at night is "asking for trouble"".

What can I say instead of "asking for trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "courting disaster", "inviting problems", or "playing with fire" depending on the context.

Is "asking for trouble" formal or informal?

"Asking for trouble" is generally considered an informal expression. While understandable in most contexts, it may be more appropriate to use alternatives like "inviting problems" or "courting disaster" in formal settings.