Ask for
verb
To request something from someone.
I asked for some water.
Often appears as...
- ask for help
- ask for permission
verb
To deserve or bring upon oneself certain consequences.
His arrogant attitude is asking for trouble.
Often appears as...
- ask for trouble
- ask for punishment
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To inquire about the price of something.
How much are they asking for that house?
Often appears as...
- ask for the price
- ask for the cost
verb
To invite or provoke a negative outcome.
By driving that fast, you're asking for a ticket.
Often appears as...
- ask for trouble
- ask for it
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To request something from someone.
I asked for some water.
Often appears as...
- ask for help
- ask for permission
verb
To deserve or bring upon oneself certain consequences.
His arrogant attitude is asking for trouble.
Often appears as...
- ask for trouble
- ask for punishment
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To inquire about the price of something.
How much are they asking for that house?
Often appears as...
- ask for the price
- ask for the cost
verb
To invite or provoke a negative outcome.
By driving that fast, you're asking for a ticket.
Often appears as...
- ask for trouble
- ask for it
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Polite Requests
Use 'ask for' to politely request something, showing good manners.
Could I ask for a glass of water, please?
Pro Tip 2/2Indirect Speech
'Ask for' is commonly used in indirect speech to report requests.
She said she asked for a day off.
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