ask for

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

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

When a female researcher asked for Angela and said she felt uncomfortable, the response was immediate.

From BBC

They know the Russians will continue to ramp up these attacks, he said – it’s why his government is constantly asking for more air defence from Western allies.

From BBC

According to credit card processor Square, and as reported by CBS, nearly 75% of remote transactions in food and beverage now ask for a tip, including online orders and at self-service kiosks.

From Salon

Both Breed and Thao emphasized in their efforts to retain office that crime levels had fallen in their cities in recent months, and asked for more time to make change.

From Los Angeles Times

He had pleaded guilty and asked for forgiveness.

From BBC

Related Words

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