looking for trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking for trouble" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It means to purposely seek out or create problems or conflicts. You can use this phrase to describe someone who is intentionally causing problems, or to warn someone about the potential consequences of their actions. For example: - "He's always looking for trouble, picking fights with anyone who disagrees with him." - "I wouldn't go to that neighborhood alone, you might end up looking for trouble." - "She knew her behavior was reckless and could lead to trouble, but she couldn't help looking for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You're looking for trouble.

Independent

You are looking for trouble".

Independent

Nobody's looking for trouble".

The New York Times - Magazine

Only an employee looking for trouble.

The New York Times

He was definitely looking for trouble.

The New Yorker

"We're not looking for trouble," he said.

The New York Times

Eventually, Washington went looking for trouble.

The Washington Post

"North Korea is looking for trouble.

The Washington Post

Nel says you go looking for trouble.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

....looking for trouble.

The Washington Post

"They're always looking for trouble".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "looking for trouble". It can imply intentional provocation or simply a tendency to find oneself in difficult situations. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intent.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for trouble" when someone is genuinely seeking help or adventure, not necessarily negative consequences. Ensure the context clearly indicates a potential for negative outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for trouble" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or as part of a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the act of actively seeking or inviting problems. Examples show it used both to accuse someone of provocation and to warn of potential danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking for trouble" is a commonly used gerund phrase that means to deliberately seek out problems or conflict. As Ludwig AI explains, it's considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in News & Media sources, but its formality is neutral, making it suitable for a variety of contexts. While there are several alternative phrases like "asking for it" or "courting disaster", it's crucial to choose the one that best reflects the intended meaning and level of intensity. When using this phrase, consider the potential for misinterpretation, ensuring that the context clearly indicates a likelihood of negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inviting problems

This means actions that likely lead to issues or difficulties. It carries a slightly less intentional tone than "looking for trouble".

asking for it

This implies actions that provoke negative consequences, suggesting the person is responsible for the trouble they encounter. The intensity is slightly higher than "looking for trouble".

begging for a fight

This strongly implies provocative behavior intended to initiate conflict. It is more aggressive than "looking for trouble".

courting disaster

Implies taking actions that significantly increase the risk of something bad happening. This suggests a higher level of potential negative impact than "looking for trouble".

on the warpath

Describes someone actively seeking confrontation, often with a specific target in mind. This suggests a more determined and aggressive pursuit of conflict.

stirring up a hornet's nest

This suggests provoking an angry reaction from a group, often with unintended consequences. It focuses on the reactive aspect of causing trouble.

rocking the boat

Similar to "making waves", it means disrupting a stable situation, potentially leading to problems. It's slightly less aggressive than "looking for trouble".

making waves

This means disrupting the status quo, often leading to controversy or disagreement. It focuses on the disruptive aspect of causing trouble.

tempting fate

This implies taking unnecessary risks that could lead to negative outcomes. It suggests a reliance on luck or chance, which differentiates it.

inciting a riot

This means provoking a violent public disturbance, indicating a much higher level of trouble than the original phrase.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking for trouble" to describe someone who is intentionally causing problems, as in "He's always "looking for trouble", picking fights with anyone who disagrees with him". Alternatively, it can be used to warn someone about the potential consequences of their actions, such as "I wouldn't go to that neighborhood alone, you might end up "looking for trouble"".

What are some alternatives to saying "looking for trouble"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "asking for it", "courting disaster", or "inviting problems".

Is "looking for trouble" formal or informal?

"Looking for trouble" is generally considered an informal phrase. While it's widely understood, it's best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. In professional or academic contexts, consider using more precise language.

What does it mean when someone is "looking for trouble"?

When someone is "looking for trouble", it means they are behaving in a way that is likely to cause problems or conflict. This could be intentional, where they are actively seeking confrontation, or unintentional, where their actions simply lead to negative consequences.