The phrase “(be) careful what you wish for” is a common warning that advises people to think twice before asking for something. It implies that what we desire may not always be the best thing for us, and that we should consider the potential consequences of our actions.
Definitions
The phrase “(be) careful what you wish for” means that we should be cautious about what we desire, as it may have unintended consequences. It suggests that we should think carefully about our wishes, and consider the possible outcomes before making them.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “(be) careful what you wish for” is unclear, but it has been used in various forms throughout history. The earliest recorded use of a similar phrase was in the story of the monkey’s paw, a horror story by W.W. Jacobs, published in 1902.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “(be) careful what you wish for” is commonly used in English, and its meaning is generally understood. Different dictionaries may define it in slightly different ways, but the overall message is the same.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the phrase as “to be cautious about what one wishes for, as it may have unintended and undesirable consequences.”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “to be careful about what one wishes for, because one may receive it.”
Associations
The phrase “(be) careful what you wish for” is often associated with caution, prudence, and wisdom. It suggests that we should be thoughtful about our desires, and consider the potential outcomes before acting on them.
It is also associated with the idea of consequences. The phrase implies that our wishes may have unintended consequences, and that we should be aware of these before making them.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for the phrase “(be) careful what you wish for,” including:
- Be careful what you ask for.
- Be mindful of what you desire.
- Think before you wish.
- Watch what you wish for.
Antonyms
The opposite of “(be) careful what you wish for” is “be reckless with your wishes.” This suggests that we should act on our desires without considering the potential consequences.
The same root words
The phrase “(be) careful what you wish for” does not have any specific root words, but it is related to the concept of caution and mindfulness.
Example Sentences
- “I wished for a promotion, but now I have to work longer hours and have more responsibilities. Careful what you wish for.”
- “She wished for a new car, but now she’s struggling to make the payments. Be careful what you wish for.”
- “He wished for fame and fortune, but now he’s constantly hounded by paparazzi. Watch what you wish for.”
The phrase “(be) careful what you wish for” is a warning to be cautious about our desires, and to consider the potential consequences before acting on them. It suggests that we should be mindful and thoughtful about what we want, and be aware of the possible outcomes. By being careful with our wishes, we can avoid unintended consequences and make better decisions for ourselves.