borrow trouble

Related to borrow trouble: in stride, give it a shot, worse for wear

borrow trouble

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

borrow trouble

Fig. to worry needlessly; to make trouble for oneself. Worrying too much about death is just borrowing trouble. Do not get involved with politics. That's borrowing trouble.
See also: borrow, trouble
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

borrow trouble

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.
See also: borrow, trouble
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

borrow trouble

take needless action that may have bad effects. North American
See also: borrow, trouble
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

borrow trouble

To take an unnecessary action that will probably engender adverse effects.
See also: borrow, trouble
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • buy trouble
  • burn (one's) bridges in front of (one)
  • burn bridges in front of
  • going to tattle
  • snitches get stitches (and end up in ditches)
  • snitches get stitches and wind up in ditches
  • go to the expense of (something)
  • go to the expense of something/of doing something
  • blow (something) out of (all) proportion
  • blow out of proportion
References in periodicals archive
The Buffalo Don't Borrow Trouble campaign has a comprehensive educational program not only for consumers, but also for housing agencies and other professionals participating in the mortgage process.
Additionally, the Buffalo Don't Borrow Trouble campaign trains other housing agencies, real estate professionals, appraisers and other mortgage professionals in spotting predatory practices.
To help homeowners avoid predatory lenders, Philadelphia's Don't Borrow Trouble campaign offers the PHIL-Plus and Mini-PHIL loan products.
"Since its launch, the Don't Borrow Trouble initiative has not only exposed hundreds of thousands of consumers to fundamentals of understanding, obtaining and maintaining good credit but has also helped homeowners avoid scams and resolve financial difficulties they may be experiencing."
Details: For more information on how to bring the Don't Borrow Trouble campaign to cities, visit www.dontborrow trouble.com.
Program seeks to educate citizens about predatory lending