ask for

British  

verb

1. to try to obtain by requesting

   he asked for help

2. informal (intr) to behave in a provocative manner that is regarded as inviting (trouble)

   she's asking for trouble

   you're asking for it

3. to ask after

   tell your parents I'm asking for them

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ask for Idioms  

1. Also, ask for it. To persist in an action despite the likelihood that it will bring trouble on oneself, as in Speeding as much as he does, he has been asking for a ticket and Mary deserved that low grade; in effect, she asked for it by not studying. [c. 1900] Also see ask for the moon.

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Example Sentences

"There are many things one would like to say or ask for, like life itself. But well, I'd appreciate help with sports equipment," he said, citing a need for balls, vests, cones and football boots.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

"I never expected this, to have a debut against India it's a dream come true and I couldn't ask for anything better," Hollard told TNT Sports.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

At its worst, it could push people into costly court battles just for having the audacity to ask for information.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026

“If they ask for a toy, he buys it,” said Yuliia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

In the After, I ask for a cheeseburger and fries, shove Andre’s legs back to his side of the car, and rest my head on Emma’s shoulder.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• assert
• call for
• claim
• confront
• defy
• demand
• denounce
• impose
• require
• test
• try