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

“Most of the people who make decisions that add jobs or eliminate them do not ask for permission from state lawmakers,” Mr. Hohman writes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

“Or with helping Merriweather, for that matter. But why would Merriweather have given you Malevolent’s name, then? It sounds like she’s almost the worst person we could ask for help.”

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Related Words

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