Be careful what you wish for

Posted by TheFallen on December 12, 2004

In Reply to: 'be careful what you ask for -- you might get it' posted by Ward on December 12, 2004

: A thought particularly appropriate to this site at this time.
: A bit of wisdom is contained in this phrase. Another aspect of this concept is the story of the dog chasing the truck -- the truck stops -- and the dog thinks -- now what do I do?
: Anyone know the origin of this expression?

The version that is more familiar to me is "be careful what you wish for, lest it come true", which always makes me think of the Tale of the Monkey's Paw (Edgar Allen Poe?). Fortunately, when right-minded and well-balanced people come together in communal accord and consensus, the extremes warned about by Mr. Poe (if it was he) never occur.

• Be careful what you wish for R. Berg 12/December/04
  • Be careful what you wish for TheFallen 12/December/04
    • Be careful what you wish for Word Camel 13/December/04
      • Be careful what you wish for ESC 13/December/04
        • Many thanks ESC Word Camel 13/December/04