monkey's paw

== English == === Alternative forms === 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. === Pronunciation === === Noun === monkey's paw (plural monkey's paws) (idiomatic, usually attributive) A situation in which a wish or desire has been fulfilled, but at significant cost or with ironic, usually unfavourable consequences. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see monkey,‎ paw. === See also === be careful what you wish for poisoned chalice Pyrrhic victory