for the asking

Idioms and Phrases

On request, without charge, as in My brother is a lawyer, so for us his advice is free for the asking , or If you want to borrow the tractor, it's yours for the asking . This expression dates from the early 1800s, although slightly different versions of it (such as at one's asking ) have been used since the late 1500s.

Example Sentences

At the time, he maintained that he would have secured the release of another prisoner, ex-Marine Paul Whelan, without having to exchange a Russian prisoner, saying he "would have been let out for the asking."

From Salon

Per a report from The New York Times, the apartment went on the market in July for the asking price of $6.5 million.

From Salon

"Why wasn't former Marine Paul Whelan included in this totally one-sided transaction? He would have been let out for the asking. What a "stupid" and unpatriotic embarrassment for the USA!!!"

From Salon

To their fans they were movie stars with muscle, who had it all just for the asking.

From BBC

It’s no wonder that Republicans are playing defense in an election that once seemed theirs for the asking.

From Washington Post