wish on (someone or something)
wish on (someone or something)
1. To ask or plead for something, especially a superstitious charm or omen, to make one's wish a reality. I always used to wish on the first star of the night when I was a kid. People from all over the country come to the idol, wishing on it to better their lives in some way or another.
2. To desire that some person, situation, or circumstance, especially a negative one, happen to or be imposed or foisted upon someone else. Typically used in negative constructions. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "wish" and "on." I wouldn't wish the death of a child on my worst enemy. No, I wouldn't wish such a difficult task on you. I just don't see the point in wishing bad things on anyone else.
See also: on, wish
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
wish someone or something (off) on someone
to foist someone or something off on someone else. I would never wish my uncle off on you, even for an hour. I wouldn't wish off my cousin Roger on anyone. I wouldn't wish this matter on you.
See also: on, wish
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
wish on
Foist or impose something on another, as in I wouldn't wish this job on my worst enemy. [Early 1900s]
See also: on, wish
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
wish on
or wish uponv.
1. To impose or force something on someone; foist something on someone: Her enemies wished a hard life on her. I would never wish such a cruel punishment upon anyone.
2. To call on some charm or omen to grant a wish: Some people wish on falling stars. If I find a four-leaf clover, I'll wish upon it for a successful time in school.
See also: on, wish
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- wish on
- wish upon
- Don’t you wish!
- don't you wish
- Don't you wish!
- you wish
- you wish!
- as you wish
- wish somebody/something well
- wish (one) well