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
US
MUN-kee's PAW
UK
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.