English Explanatory Dictionary

monkey's paw

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A situation in which a wish or desire has been fulfilled, but at significant cost or with ironic, usually unfavourable consequences.
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see monkey, paw.

Pronunciation

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-monkey's paw.wav

Word forms

monkey's paw monkey's paws monkey paw monkey-paw

Etymology

From the 1902 short story "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs, in which a mummified monkey's paw is enchanted to grant a family three wishes, but with terrible consequences for them. Popularised by a segment based on Jacobs' story in the 1991 episode "Treehouse of Horror II" of the American animated sitcom The Simpsons.

Related words

be careful what you wish for poisoned chalice Pyrrhic victory
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