How to Pronounce "monkey's paw"

expression

ˈməŋkiz/ /ˈpɔ

MUN-kee's PAW

ˈmʌŋkiz/ /pˈɔː

MUN-kee's PAW

Definition

A 'monkey's paw' is an object believed to grant wishes, but often in a way that leads to unexpected negative consequences. The phrase comes from a famous horror story, and it is used to warn that getting what you wish for can have a bad outcome.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˈməŋkiz/ /ˈpɔ

British English

ˈmʌŋkiz/ /pˈɔː

Simplified Pronunciation

MUN-kee's PAW

Listen in Context

Be careful what you wish for; it could be a monkey's paw.

Winning the lottery sometimes feels like a monkey's paw, because it brings problems too.

The story of the monkey's paw warns about the danger of wishing for too much.

That cheap flight turned out to be a monkey's paw—I got stuck at the airport all night.