ask for trouble/it

ask for it

slang To act in a way that warrants the punishment or other repercussions that follow. This is a set phrase. Did you draw on the wall? Oh, you're asking for it now! Mary is a very patient person, so if she dumped Phil, he must have asked for it.See also: ask

ask for trouble

To do something or act in a manner that will very likely result in trouble, difficulty, or danger. (Usually used in the past or present continuous tense.) Those kids were just asking for trouble when they went trespassing on my property, and now trouble is what they'll get! I know you're annoyed at your boss for making you come in on the weekend, but don't go asking for trouble!See also: ask, trouble

ask for trouble

 and look for troubleFig. to seem to be trying to get into trouble; to do something that would cause trouble; to do or say something that will cause trouble. Stop talking to me that way, John. You're just asking for trouble. The guard asked me to leave unless I was looking for trouble.See also: ask, trouble

ask for it

If something bad happens to someone or is done to someone and you say that they asked for it, you mean that they deserved it. I may have been cruel to Brian on occasions, but he asked for it.See also: ask

ˈask for trouble/it

(informal) (usually used in the progressive tenses) behave in a way that is likely to result in problems: They’re asking for trouble, leaving young children alone in the house like that. ♢ She’s really asking for it, the way she comes in late every day.See also: ask, trouble