A monkey paw is a term that originates from a short story called “The Monkey’s Paw” written by W.W. Jacobs. In the story, the monkey’s paw is a magical item that grants its owner three wishes. However, these wishes come with a heavy price, often leading to unintended and tragic consequences. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of interfering with fate and the unforeseen repercussions of our desires. In modern usage, the term “monkey paw” is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where a wish or desire is granted, but with negative or disastrous outcomes.