ask for it: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘ask for it’ mean?
The idiom "ask for it" means to intentionally or unknowingly provoke a negative consequence or trouble due to one's actions or behavior.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in for it" means to be in trouble or about to face negative consequences for one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "hell to pay" means to face severe consequences or trouble for one's actions or decisions.
The idiom "have one's hand out" means to ask for money or help from someone, usually in a demanding or pushy manner.
The idiom "have it your way" means to allow someone to do or have something exactly as they want, without any compromises or objections from others.
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "go for it" means to take action without hesitation or fear, pursuing something with determination and enthusiasm.
The idiom "go fish" means to request for someone to provide a requested item of information or to seek out something that is desired or needed. It is often used to indicate that the person being asked does not possess or know the desired item.
The idiom "go begging" means to be unwanted, rejected, or not valued by others.
The idiom "give what for" means to scold or reprimand someone strongly or to give them a severe punishment or retribution. It conveys the idea of delivering a forceful response or a deserved consequence for someone's actions or behavior.
The idiom "give someone what-for" means to scold or punish someone severely for their actions or behavior. It implies giving someone a strong reprimand or retribution for their wrongdoings.
Inviting Unintended Trouble
The idiom "ask for it" is a commonly used expression in American English. It has a straightforward, literal meaning that is often used in a figurative sense. The phrase "ask for it" implies that someone is deliberately seeking trouble or inviting negative consequences due to their actions, words, or behavior. This idiom can also be understood as a warning to be cautious and consider the potential repercussions of one's choices.
"Ask for it" suggests that the person is knowingly provoking a response or reaction, often negative or unfavorable. It implies a certain level of agency and responsibility for the consequences that follow. It is particularly relevant in situations where someone disregards warnings, acts recklessly, or engages in behavior that is likely to result in negative outcomes.
In addition to its literal and figurative meanings, the idiom "ask for it" can also be used as a way to assign blame or responsibility for the negative consequences that befall someone. It suggests that the person knowingly brought about their own misfortune through their own actions or choices, thereby implying a sense of deservedness or inevitability.
The origin and etymology of the idiom "ask for it" are less clear. It is believed to have originated from an older phrase "ask for what's coming to you." This older phrase suggests that one will receive the consequences or punishment that they warrant or deserve based on their behavior or actions.
The idioms "for the asking" and "ask for the moon" are related to the idiom "ask for it." "For the asking" means that something is readily available or easily obtained, simply by asking for it. Similarly, "ask for the moon" means to make an extravagant or unreasonable request. These idioms share the common theme of making requests or demands, but "ask for it" focuses on the potential negative consequences of such actions.
The idiom "ask for it" is deeply rooted in American culture and frequently used in everyday conversations, as well as in written and spoken media. Its versatility allows it to be applied to a wide range of situations, making it a valuable expression for conveying a sense of personal agency, accountability, caution, and the potential for negative outcomes.
While the idiom "ask for it" has a clear meaning and usage, its broad applicability leaves room for interpretation and subjective understanding. It can be further explored and analyzed in various contexts, such as literature, popular culture, and personal experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and implications associated with this idiom.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "ask for it" can be used in a sentence:
- She kept provoking him, so when he finally lashed out, she got exactly what she asked for.
- If you leave your car unlocked with the keys inside, you're just asking for it to be stolen.
- He was warned not to cheat on the test, but he did it anyway and now he's asking for trouble.
More "consequence" idioms
