ask the question—
1. call to a person for an answer to or about smth.:
- I heard your voice tremble as you asked me the question.
2. (Horse races) call upon the horse for a special effort:
- I asked King Lud the question. He answered in the most generous manner possible and won.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase beg the question—
1. take for granted the very point that needs to be proved:
- You’re simply begging the question in assuming that O’Neill wasn’t a racist.
2. used to indicate that the question really ought to be addressed:
- This year’s budget deficit is half a trillion dollars. This begs the question: how are we going to balance the budget?
put the question—ask those present at a meeting, etc. to record their votes for or against the proposal:
- I must put the question to the House, and the House must say “Aye” or “No.”