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

The former A&E doctor, who grew up in Carmarthenshire, said that when he returned from doing the exercise, his mood had improved enough for him to call a friend to ask for help.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

The attorneys general ask for close review of documents submitted ahead of the public listing, including the S-1, an initial registration document companies file when they go public detailing their finances and conflicts of interest.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

During previous visits, Levin said he would ask for detainees who met specific criteria, such as those held in a unit of the detention center that was the source of complaints to his office.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Before hiring a daily money manager, ask for — and check — references, ask for proof of insurance and a background check.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

The only thing she could think of to ask for was her father, and she doubted Dvoyka and Troyka were going to Rûm.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

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