trouble (one) to do (something)

trouble (one) to do (something)

To burden or inconvenience one to do something. Typically used in the form of a question beginning with "could" as a polite request. Sorry to bother you, Mr. Manning, but could I trouble you to look over my report? Could we trouble you to complete our short survey about your current Internet service and provider?

See also: to, trouble

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

trouble someone to do something

to ask someone to do something. (Usually a question.) Could I trouble you to pass the salt? Could I trouble you to give me some advice?

See also: to, trouble

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.