Monkey paw Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈməŋki/ /ˈpɔ

MUNG-kee paw

UK

mˈʌnki/ /pˈɔː

MUN-kee PAW

Definição

A 'monkey paw' refers to an object or wish that seems to grant what you desire, but with unexpected and often negative consequences. The term comes from a classic horror story where wishes are granted in twisted ways.

Uso & Nuances

'Monkey paw' is most often used figuratively to warn that getting what you wish for can backfire. Common in discussions about unintended consequences or 'be careful what you wish for.' Based on the short story 'The Monkey's Paw.' Rare in casual speech—used mainly in storytelling or analysis.

• Spanish: pata de mono (sentido figurado) - deseo peligroso (referencia literaria)
• Portuguese (BR): pata de macaco (sentido figurado) - desejo perigoso (referência literária)
• Portuguese (PT): pata de macaco (sentido figurado) - desejo perigoso (referência literária)
• Chinese (Simplified): 猴爪（比喻用法）- 危险的愿望（文学典故）
• Chinese (Traditional): 猴爪（比喻用法）- 危險的願望（文學典故）
• Hindi: बंदर का पंजा (रूपक अर्थ) - खतरनाक इच्छा (साहित्यिक सन्दर्भ)
• Arabic: يد القرد (دلالة مجازية) - أمنية خطيرة (مرجع أدبي)
• Bengali: বানরের থাবা (রূপক অর্থে) - বিপজ্জনক প্রত্যাশা (সাহিত্যিক রেফারেন্স)
• Russian: обезьянья лапа (фигурально) - опасное желание (литературная ссылка)
• Japanese: 猿の手（比喩的な意味）- 危険な願い（文学的表現）
• Vietnamese: bàn tay khỉ (nghĩa bóng) - điều ước nguy hiểm (tham chiếu văn học)
• Korean: 원숭이 발 (은유적 의미) - 위험한 소원 (문학적 표현)
• Turkish: maymun pençesi (mecazi anlam) - tehlikeli dilek (edebi referans)
• Urdu: بندر کا پنجہ (تمثیلی معنی) - خطرناک تمنا (ادبی حوالہ)
• Indonesian: tangan monyet (makna kiasan) - keinginan berbahaya (referensi sastra)

Frases de Exemplo

The story warned that the monkey paw would grant wishes in terrible ways.

basic

He called the old lamp his monkey paw because it brought him only bad luck.

basic

Some people see winning the lottery as a monkey paw—it might ruin your life.

basic

Be careful—this deal might be a real monkey paw if we’re not smart about it.

natural

She thought her new promotion was lucky, but it turned out to be a monkey paw.

natural

That quick fix was a monkey paw—now we have even more problems.

natural