Ask for trouble Meaning in English
expression
ˈæsk/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈtɹəbəɫ
ASK-fer-TRUH-buhl
ˈɑːsk/ /fˈɔː/ /tɹˈʌbəl
AASK-faw-TRUB-uhl
Definition
To do something risky or unwise that will probably cause problems or difficulties.
Usage & Nuances
Informal expression; often used to warn someone that their actions are risky or likely to end badly. Commonly used with 'you're' or 'he's', as in 'you're asking for trouble.' Similar to 'court disaster.' Not used for asking actual questions.
Spanish: buscar problemas - buscarse un líoPortuguese (BR): procurar encrenca - arrumar problemasPortuguese (PT): meter-se em sarilhos - procurar problemasChinese (Simplified): 自找麻烦 - 自找苦吃Chinese (Traditional): 自找麻煩 - 自討苦喫Hindi: मुसीबत को बुलाना - समस्या मोल लेनाArabic: يبحث عن المتاعب - يجر على نفسه المشاكلBengali: ঝামেলা ডেকে আনা - বিপদ ডেকে আনাRussian: навлекать неприятности - искать неприятностиJapanese: トラブルを招く - 問題を起こすVietnamese: rước họa vào thân - tự chuốc lấy rắc rốiKorean: 문제를 자초하다 - 화를 자초하다Turkish: bela aramak - başını belaya sokmakUrdu: مصیبت کو دعوت دینا - مشکل مول لیناIndonesian: mencari masalah - mengundang masalah
Example Sentences
If you swim during a storm, you're asking for trouble.
basic
Leaving your bag unattended is asking for trouble.
basic
He knew arguing with the teacher was asking for trouble.
basic
Parking in front of a fire hydrant is just asking for trouble.
natural
You’re really asking for trouble by ignoring those warning signs.
natural
Trust me, talking back to your boss is asking for trouble.
natural