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borrow trouble

Idioms  
  1. Go out of one's way to do something that may be harmful, as in Just sign the will—telling her about it ahead of time is borrowing trouble. [Mid-1800s] Also see ask for, def. 2.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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For now, don’t borrow trouble, and enjoy his new enthusiasm.

From Slate Apr. 12, 2019

“I just think you borrow trouble when you put your children in government meetings, whether it is legal or not,” said Ari Fleischer, who served as press secretary to President George W. Bush.

From New York Times Dec. 20, 2016

She’d had a premonition—or was it only her inclination to borrow trouble?

From The New Yorker Oct. 27, 2016

I'm not stressed; I don't borrow trouble from tomorrow.

From BBC Dec. 3, 2015

Don’t borrow trouble, that’s what Eliza would say.

From "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson

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