Like i asked, Where did that phrase come from, i've heard it around alot but, dont really get the meaning, considering most wishes dont come true -.-. thx!
2007-07-25 14:53:52 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
It goes back to ancient Greek tales, and jokes of the gods.
Hundreds of stories where the wisher gets what they asked for, but in some way which makes it a disaster.
The classic might be King Midas, granted the ability to turn everything he touched into gold. Which delighted him unitl he sat down for a celebratory feast.
In a less ancient setting, the grisly tale of "The Monkey's paw"
(complete with your reference quotation!)
The moral can be the cruelty of the gods or the fates, or the folly of the greedy, or simply that some desires are better left unfulfilled.
2007-07-25 19:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by Pedestal 42 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From people who've had their wish fall in their lap and then some they didn't ask for or want. Some times, not all, it comes with a price if you're not specific.
Reminds me of Bill Cosby saying he and his wife sat in the backseat of a car and discussed having children. Lol. They asked God for healthy children and left it at that. He then goes on to describe the types of children they got and that God must obviously have a sense of humor.
2007-07-26 02:23:59 · answer #2 · answered by cedar_circle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It pretty much means what it says- so if, for example, you wished someone dead in the heat of the moment, it could happen and you'd regret it later. Retarded superstitious crap but there you go...
2007-07-25 22:04:20 · answer #3 · answered by miserable old git 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably those who voted for Bush the second time around.
2007-07-25 22:31:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely my teacher.
2007-07-25 22:07:33 · answer #5 · answered by HyperDragon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
EXPERIENCE.
2007-07-26 00:23:34 · answer #6 · answered by Vajranagini 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋