phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Be careful of what you wish for

Posted by Gary Martin on January 07, 2008

In Reply to: Be careful of what you wish for posted by RJ Arturi on January 07, 2008

: "Be careful of what you wish for, you might get it"

: Origin: Early 20th Century (thus far known) from George Orwell's, "Shooting an Elephant".

That text is reported also to be found in 'A Native of Winby', by Sarah Jewett, 1893. I haven't seen an original copy myself.


© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.