ask for it
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Do something so foolish or provocative that you basically invite bad consequences.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To behave recklessly or provocatively in a way that makes bad consequences almost inevitable.
"He was texting while driving — he was really asking for it."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Always refers to negative consequences. Often used by an observer commenting on someone else's foolish behaviour. Can sound unsympathetic or victim-blaming depending on context, so use with care. Very common in spoken British and American English.
Commonly used with
trouble punishment what you get consequences it
Forms
Base
ask for it
I/you/we/they
3rd person
asks for it
he/she/it
Past simple
asked for it
yesterday
Past participle
asked for it
have + pp
-ing form
asking for it
continuous
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