buy trouble

buy trouble

To do something that is likely to cause problems later. That kid isn't bullying you, so if you tattle on him to the teacher, you're definitely buying trouble.
See also: buy, trouble
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

buy trouble

Fig. to encourage trouble; to bring on trouble. (As if certain acts would pay for or cause difficulties that would have to be suffered through.) I don't want to buy trouble. I have enough already. Saying something insulting to him is just buying trouble.
See also: buy, trouble
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • burn (one's) bridges in front of (one)
  • burn bridges in front of
  • borrow trouble
  • going to tattle
  • tattle
  • snitches get stitches (and end up in ditches)
  • snitches get stitches and wind up in ditches
  • intercede with (someone or something)
  • stool on (one)
  • stool on someone
References in periodicals archive
He conceded including such qualities in job descriptions would buy trouble with unions and those involved in equal employment opportunities.
Exploring the essence of helping
Companies can buy Trouble Tickets to pay for IT support, at the same time keeping down cost and disruption.
Troubleshooter comes in a box