"Ask for Trouble" Idiom Defined

The idiom "ask for trouble" is a phrase commonly used to warn someone that their actions or words will likely result in negative consequences.

It is usually employed to caution someone who is engaging in reckless or foolish behavior, as if to suggest that they are actively seeking out difficulties for themselves.

As a verb phrase, "ask for trouble" is typically used in the present simple tense and is often followed by an infinitive verb such as "to". For example, "If you keep talking back to your boss, you're just asking for trouble."

Some synonyms for "ask for trouble" include "court disaster", "invite problems", and "provoke trouble". These expressions convey a similar meaning and can be used interchangeably in similar contexts.

The origin of the idiom "ask for trouble" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States in the early 20th century.

Despite its relatively recent origins, it has since become a widely used expression and is recognized and understood by English speakers all over the world.

Sample sentences:

1. If you drive your car too fast in this weather, you're just asking for trouble.
2. You can't post those photos online if you don't want to ask for trouble.
3. If you don't pay your bills on time, you're asking for trouble with the collection agencies.
4. If you ignore your boss's instructions, you're asking for trouble at work.
5. By skipping class, you're asking for trouble with your grades.
6. If you don't get enough sleep, you're asking for trouble with fatigue and poor performance.
7. If you don't follow the rules, you're asking for trouble with the law.
8. By eating too much junk food, you're asking for trouble with your health.
9. If you don't budget your money wisely, you're asking for trouble with your finances.
10. If you don't respect your partner's boundaries, you're asking for trouble in your relationship.