Be careful what you wish for: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Be careful what you wish for” mean?

"Be careful what you wish for" means to be cautious about what you desire because it may have unintended consequences.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He always wanted to be famous, but be careful what you wish for because it comes with a lot of pressure.

Example

She wished for a promotion at work, but be careful what you wish for because now she has to work longer hours.

Example

They wished for a bigger house, but be careful what you wish for because now they have more cleaning and maintenance to do

Is “Be careful what you wish for” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Be careful what you wish for” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Be careful what you wish for” effectively in context?

You can use "Be careful what you wish for" to caution someone about the potential negative outcomes of their desires. It emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences before pursuing something. For example, if a friend expresses a desire to win the lottery, you might say, 'Well, "be careful what you wish for", because sudden wealth can bring its own set of challenges.'

• 1. Ambition

  He always wanted to be famous, but be careful what you wish for because it comes with a lot of pressure.

• 2. Career

  She wished for a promotion at work, but be careful what you wish for because now she has to work longer hours.

• 3. Material possessions

  They wished for a bigger house, but be careful what you wish for because now they have more cleaning and maintenance to do.

Similar phrases to “Be careful what you wish for”:

The grass is always greener on the other side

To believe that other people's situations are better than one's own

Example

She thought getting a new job would solve all her problems, but the grass is always greener on the other side.

Every cloud has a silver lining

To find something positive in a difficult or unfortunate situation

Example

Losing his job was tough, but every cloud has a silver lining - he found a new career opportunity.

Actions speak louder than words

To emphasize that what someone does is more important than what they say

Example

He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words - he never showed up.

Look before you leap

To consider the possible consequences before taking action

Example

Before investing in the business, he decided to look before he leaped and conducted thorough research.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Be careful what you wish for” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Be careful what you wish for" is unknown.

Is “Be careful what you wish for” common in everyday conversation?

"Be careful what you wish for" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to remind others to think twice before pursuing their desires, as they may not always lead to the expected outcomes.

What tone does “Be careful what you wish for” have?

"Be careful what you wish for" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It's often used to warn against the potential pitfalls of blindly pursuing one's desires.

Can “Be careful what you wish for” be used in informal and formal settings?

"Be careful what you wish for" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of considering the consequences of one's desires. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, discussions, or writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He always wanted to be famous, but "be careful what you wish for" because it comes with a lot of pressure.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Well, "be careful what you wish for"!' to imply caution.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• think twice before you wish
• watch what you wish for
• consider the consequences of your desires
• be mindful of your wishes

Antonyms

• go after what you want
• chase your dreams
• embrace your desires
• pursue your wishes without caution