Just a thought!

What does the phrase "asking for it" mean? Why is it used often? If a woman wears clothes of her choice, which is basically her right, how is that considered to be a sign that "she is asking for it?" Isn’t it like..if at all i had to ask for anything to a random stranger, like asking for directions, wouldn’t I literally ask for the directions instead of thinking that they’ll assume what I want from them without actually asking for it. Also if at all my personal choice of attire is giving someone signs that I’m "asking for it", then atleast let’s say we as women have the courtesy of " Asking" Unlike the predators who assume a personal choice to be a sign for something absurd,without having the courtesy to ask before forcing themselves on a human.